Treaty of Versailles

Question 1

Key Points of the Treaty of Versailles

Answer 1

Territorial Losses:

Key Points of the Treaty of Versailles
o Germany lost significant territories to neighbouring countries.
o Examples include Alsace-Lorraine to France, Eupen-Malmedy to Belgium, and
Northern Schleswig to Denmark.
o Germany also lost all of its overseas colonies.

Military Restrictions:
o The German army was limited to 100,000 troops.
o The navy was restricted, and Germany was not allowed to have an air force, submarines, or tanks.

War Guilt Clause:
o Article 231 of the treaty placed full responsibility for the war on Germany. o This clause was deeply humiliating for the German people.

Reparations:
o Germany was required to pay enormous financial reparations to the Allied countries,
around £6.6bn.
o These payments crippled the German economy and contributed to hyperinflation and unemployment.

Question 2

The Nazi Party’s Opposition to the Treaty

Answer 2

National Humiliation:
o The Nazi Party saw the Treaty of Versailles as a symbol of national disgrace and betrayal.
o They believed it humiliated Germany on the world stage.

Economic Hardship:
o The reparations and economic terms of the treaty led to severe economic hardship in Germany.
o High unemployment and hyperinflation made life difficult for ordinary Germans.

Loss of Territory and Military Power:
o The Nazis were angry about the loss of territory, which they felt weakened Germany.
o The restrictions on the military were seen as emasculating a once-powerful nation.

Political Unrest:
o The treaty contributed to political instability in Germany.
o The Nazis used this unrest to their advantage, blaming the Weimar Republic for
accepting the treaty.

Question 3

How the Nazi Party Used Opposition to the Treaty to Gain Support

Answer 3

Propaganda:
o The Nazis used propaganda to spread their message of hatred towards the treaty.
o They promised to overturn the treaty and restore Germany’s former glory.

Promises of Revival:
o Hitler promised economic recovery, rearmament, and the reclaiming of lost territories.
o This message resonated with many Germans suffering from the economic depression.

Blaming the Weimar Republic:
o The Nazis portrayed the Weimar Republic as weak and traitorous for signing the
treaty.
o They promised strong leadership and national rejuvenation.