Topic One : Were the Peace Treaties of 1919- 1923 fair?

Question 1

Who were considered the ‘Big Three?

Answer 1

Britain, France, USA

Question 2

What were the general aims of the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?

Answer 2

France = Revenge that would cause significant long- term issues for Germany
USA = Peaceful resolution, typified by the 14- Points 
Britain = A balance between supporting both, a compromise of punishment for Germany but not to the extent pushed by Clemenceau

Question 3

Name 3 causes for disagreement between the Big Three

Answer 3

1. The USA was seen as too idealistic in its aims. Had not suffered many consequences from the war
2. Britain had major indecision, that of not punishing Germany according to public opinion back home and maintaining trade relationships
3. Clemenceau lacked compromise

Question 4

Name 4 ways that Germany was punished as a result of the Treaty

Answer 4

Loss of territory, Military, Significant reparations, Lack of representation at the LON

Question 5

What were the significant effects of the Treaty on Germany?

Answer 5

1. Political instability eg. The Kapp Putsch
2. French invasion of the Rhur due to inability to keep up with reparations
3. Hyperinflation

Question 6

Identify 3 other Treaties and their general terms

Answer 6

1. St Germain with Austrian = Austria- Hungary is dissolved
2. Trianon = Hungary suffers significant territorial losses
3. Séveres = The dissolving of the Ottoman Empire

Question 7

Name 3 arguments in support of the Treaty of Versailles

Answer 7

1. German industry recovered well, reaching the same output as Britain by 1925
2. Germany played a significant role in starting the war
3. Germany had caused a significant threat to France. Germany had attacked before in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.

Question 8

Name 3 arguments against the Treaty of Versailles

Answer 8

1. The severity of some of the terms, particularly reparations of 6.6 billion
2. The Terms were worked out in secret Germany was not invited to the TOV – they, therefore, had no say in their fate Germany lost all their colonies but the allies kept them
3. Germany was forced to demilitarise, meaning they were unable to protect themselves.