The Versailles Settlement & German reactions to it

Question 1

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany? - Political

Answer 1

• The army - army resented the disarmament clauses that limited the number of troops to 100,000.
• Many soldiers joined the Freikorps - the right wing was the strongest opposition.
• The enrolment of Freikorps concerned the allies because there was more than 100,000 of them. So the government attempted to implement an allied request that the Freikorps disbanded so the Kapp Putsch started
• Rhineland was demilitarised but not taken away from Germany

Question 2

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany? - social

Answer 2

• The treaty was immensely unpopular - leading to the nickname ‘November Criminals’
• It created resentment towards the Weimar government and created an opportunity for alternate parties to gain popularity
• Hyperinflation created desperation - people willing to turn to desperate measures ie. crime, revolts, political assassinations etc
• Resentment towards winning countries foundations for a second war begin to form

Question 3

What was the impact of the ToV on Germany?

Answer 3

• ToV stripped Germany of european territory
• It had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations - Germany was already burdened with war debts and deprived of the means to create wealth
• In 1922 the government failed to pay its second instalment of reparations. The French thought that they were bluffing and trying to avoid the treaty so along with Belgium they decided to occupy the Ruhr
• In order to bridge the gad between expenditure and income, the government decided to print money. This action led to hyperinflation