The Treaty of Versailles

Question 1

When did Germany sign the armistice which ended the First World War?

Answer 1

November 1918.

Question 2

See if you can name at least 5 of Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points.

Answer 2

• Alsace-Lorraine to be returned to France.
• No secret treaties.
• Independence for Belgium
• Poland to become an independent state with access to the sea.
• Countries that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire or the Turkish Empire were to be given the freedom to rule themselves.
• Before claiming colonies/territory, countries should consult each other and the local inhabitants.
• LEAGUE OF NATIONS TO BE SET UP TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND CO-OPERATION.

Question 3

What was George Clemenceau’s view on the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 3

Clemenceau wanted to cripple the German economy because France had suffered immensely.
Many of France’s factories and large areas of land were destroyed, France also lost over a million men during the war.
Clemenceau wanted the Treaty to be so harsh that it would mean that France could never be threatened by Germany again.

Question 4

What was Woodrow Wilson’s view on the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 4

Wilson strongly believed in his 14 Points. He did not want to impose a harsh treaty on Germany because he feared that Germany would seek revenge for it.
Wilson strongly supported the League of Nations and was a huge believer in countries having the right to rule themselves (self-determination).

Question 5

What was David Lloyd George’s view on the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 5

George believed that Germany should be harshly punished, but not as harshly as Clemenceau desired. George, like Wilson, feared that Germany would seek revenge after it recovered if the treaty was too harsh.
George also wanted Britain and Germany to start trading again. He thought Clemenceau was too extreme, but thought Wilson was too reliant on the Fourteen Points.