Treaty of Versailles Flashcards
What were president Woodrow Wilsons main aims for the treaty of versailles?
Woodrow Wilson had a few main aims:
Wilson thought that the treaty shouldnt be too harsh of Germany-
He knew that a harsh treaty would make Germany want revenge on the Allies which could lead to another war. He also feared that extremist groups could come to power such as the Communists.
Wilson wanted to Strengthen democracy in defeated countries-
He thought that if leaders listened to their people and their votes that the people wouldnt let them go to war.
Wilson wanted small countries to be given self- determination-
Wilson thought that different peoples should rule of themselves rather than be part of an empire. He thought that this would prevent conflicts between countries as there had been before WW1
He wanted a league of nations to be setup
This would deal with international disputes. If countries had a way of solving disputes peacfully and if the whole world worked together, war would be prevented. His idea would mean that if one country wanted to invade another they would be facing the rest of the world agaisnt them.
He wanted all countries to work towards disarmament
Why did Wilson not want a harsh Treaty?
Firstly, America hadnt joined the war since 1917, this meant that they had suffered much less casualties than France or Britain. This meant the people of America were prepared to be less harsh on Germany.
Secondly, There was a large number of German immigrants living in America at the time. A lenient treaty would keep them on the side of Wilson and more likely to vote for him in the future.
Finally, Wilson was afraid of Germany wanting revenge. He felt that a harsh treaty would lead to a future war when Germany had recovered.
What did Clemenceau want?
Clemenceau firstly wanted to make sure that the treaty was harsh enought that it would make Germany too weak to attack France again. This would guarantee French security
Secondly, he wanted Germany to pay France their war debts so they could start rebuilding the damages.
Thirdly, He wanted the treaty to punish Germany for all the damage they had caused
Finally, He wanted to get revenge on Germany for how they had treated France during the war
Why did Clemenceau want sucha harsh treaty?
France had suffered alot of damage from WW1 and over 2/3s of French soldiers had been killed or wounded. The french people wanted revenge on Germany for this and wouldnt be happy unless Clemenceau got a very harsh treaty
Germany was still powerful and alot of the french people still thought of Germany as a threat.
What did Lloyd George want?
He agreed with Wilson that a League of Nations should be setup
He wanted Germany to lose its Navy.
He wanted to strengthen Britains empire
He wanted to keep Germany as a trading partner
He wanted to prevent communism
Why did Lloyd George want these things
He wanted Germany to lose its Navy because although Britain had the largest navy in the world, Germany had been building up its navy before the war which was threatening for Britain
He also wanted Germanys Empire to be weakened.
He didnt want to make Germany too weak as he felt that Germany could be a important barrier against communism in the future.
He also wanted to keep Germany as a trading partner as before the war Britain and Germany had been big trading partners.
Did President Woodrow Wilson want a harsh or Lenient treaty?
Wilson wanted a Lenient treaty as he didnt want Germany to want revenge for a harsh treaty in the future and felt a lenient treaty was the only way for keeping international peace. Also the American people didnt want a very harsh treaty, a lenient treaty would keep alot of people happy in America and could help wilson stay in power.
Did Lloyd George want a harsh or Lenient treaty?
Lloyd George wanted a treaty more lenient than Clemenceau wanted but harsher than what Wilson wanted. He wanted to stay in good relations with Germany for trade and because of communism, which would require a lenient treaty. However he felt pressured by the British people to get a harsh treaty as they wanted revenge for the war.
Did Clemenceau want a harsh or Lenient treaty?
Clemenceau wanted a harsh treaty. He felt Germany should pay for the war and wanted to make sure they could never threaten France again. He was backed by the French people who also wanted Germany to be punished harshly.
Was Wilson happy with the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles?
Wilson was very unhappy with the outcome. He felt that it was too harsh on Germany and felt not enough of his points were used and the reperations were too high and would ruin Germanys economy. He felt it would lead to germany wanting revenge and causing another war in the future.
Was Lloyd George happy with the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles?
Lloyd George was pretty happy with the outcome. The British public were happy with what he achieved and returned to Britain with a heroes welcome. However he thought that the treaty was too harsh on Germany and thought that Germany would want to take revenge in the future.
Was Clemenceau happy with the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles?
Clemenceau wasnt happy with the outcome. He felt it wasnt harsh enough on Germany. The french people agreed and Celemnceau was voted out of power in 1920.
What were the main terms of the treaty of versailles
Germany had to accept responsibiblty for the war.
Germany had to pay £6.6 billion in reparations to the Allies.
Their army was limited to 100,000 men, they werent allowed any submarines and airforce. They also were only allowed 6 battle ships and the rhineland was to be de-militarised
League of nations to be setup- Germany couldnt join
Germany couldnt unite with Austria
German colonies became mandates
Why did the Treaty of Versailles fail
America- America refuses to join the league of nations- lost its most powerful potential member. The league is much less intimidating now to other countries
Self Determination- Left new and weak states around Germany that still contained German citizens. This would later give Hitler a excuse to invading these countries later.
Great Depression- France and Britain concentrate on their own countries and are to weak to enforce the treaty of versailles by force.
The public- Many people, especially British, thought that the treaty was too harsh, this again helped Hitler get away with alot more in the future.
What were the Consequences of the treaty for Germany
Political Turmoil
There were revolts in Germany such as the Communist revolt in 1919 which was crushed by the army and after the treaty was signed in 1919, freikorps tried to take over Berlin in 1920 and only a strike by workers stopped the rebellion
Economic Turmoil
Germany argued that they couldnt afford reperations and eventually in 1922, Germany couldnt pay so French and Belgian invaded the ruhr. To pay the debts, the german government decided to print money. This led to hyperinflation. This destroyed Germanys economy
