Treaty of Versailles Flashcards
How did the war end (short answer)?
The Armistice of 1918
Canada’s Hundred Days
August 8, 1918
Canadian forces led by Sir Arthur Currie attacked the city of Amiens.
By the end of day they pushed Germans back 13 km.
Continued victories at Canal du Nord, Cambrai, and Mons in the “Hundred Days” to follow.
The Stalemate has been broken (Germany showed weakness!)
Armistice process of acceptance:
An armistice was reached and Germany agreed to a cease-fire November 11th, 1918. (11:00)
The treaty was signed on June 28th, 1919 after months of argument and negotiation.
The Treaty of Versailles
It was a peace talk where 32 countries met at Versailles.
Canada represented itself as a independent nation which Borden demanded the right too.
Although, talks were dominated by the “Big Three”—France, England, and the USA
The “Big Three’s” views on the matter
France- George Clemenceau believed Germany should be brought to its knees to never start a war again
America- Woodrow Wilson proposed 14 points to support peace in post-war era. He was also credited for creation of League of Nations.
Great Britain- David Lloyd George wanted relative peace though still wanted to honour the British citizens who wanted to make Germany pay.
What were the Territorial Terms of the treaty:
Alsace-Lorraine be given back to France.
The league of Nations took control of Germany’s colonies.
Germany had to return land taken in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
Austria-Hungary got dismantled.
What were the Military Terms of the treaty:
German army got reduced to 100, 000 men.
Germany would have no air force, submarines, and a navy of only 6 ships.
Demilitarized zone (DMZ): The west of Rhineland and 50 kms east of the River Rhine (no German soldier or weapon allowed in this zone. Allies were to keep an army of occupation on the west bank of the Rhine for 15 years.
What were the Political Terms of the treaty:
War Guilt Clause: This claims that Germany must accept responsibility for causing all the loss and damage that the allies suffered.
What were the Financial Terms of the treaty:
Germany lost vital industrial territory which stopped any attempt to rebuilt its economy.
Reparation Payments: Germany must pay for all wartime damages to the civilian population and property of the allied powers (amount determined by allies)
Seemed like allies wanted to bankrupt Germany…
The League of Nations details:
President Wilson (US) suggested a League of Nations be established to settle future disputes.
League would be an organization promoting international co-operation.
Canada joined the League as independent nation.
However, the League of Nations would not be able to stop Hitler….
What was Germany’s reaction to the Treaty
When Germany agreed to Armistice they were told they would be consulted by the allies on the contents of the treaty which did not happen.
Anger throughout Germany when the terms were made public.
Germany was given two choices:
1. Sign the treaty
2. Be invaded by all the allies
Canada’s involvement in the Treaty of Versailles:
Treaty of Versailles enhanced our national status on international stage.
We were given two seats at the conference and signed treaty under the UK
Canada obtained separate representation in the assembly of the league of nations
