Treaty of Versailles- real effects of the treaty

Question 1

What kind of treaty did the Germans get?

Answer 1

The French wanted a treaty which would weaken Germany.
Germany was not invited to the negotiations. The treaty was discussed between the allies then they had presented it to Germany asking them to sign it.

Question 2

What happened when Germany refused to sign the treaty?

Answer 2

They were told that if they didn’t sign the treaty war would start again.

Question 3

What happened on 28 June 1919?

Answer 3

The Germans had no choice but to accept and sign the treaty.

Question 4

Was Germany to blame for the war according to the treaty?

Answer 4

Yes, article 231 of the treaty said that Germany was to blame for the war. This was also know as war guilt. Germans hated this term as they believed that war was an act of self defense .

Question 5

What were the reparations Germany had to give?

Answer 5

Since Germany was to blame for the war, they were held responsible for the damaged caused in the war. The allies could claim reparation (compensation) for the damage caused. In 1921, a sum of £6600 million was to be paid by Germany .
-The treaty also took away 10% of Germany’s industry and 15% of it’s land.

Question 6

What were the military restrictions?

Answer 6

Because of the French the German armed forces had to be reduced:

• The air force had to be disbanded
• The army was limited to 100,000 soldiers
• The navy was limited to 15,000 sailors
• Only 6 battleships and no submarines
• The Rhineland would be occupied by the allies for fifteen years and no German troops were allowed there.

Question 7

What were the territorial losses?

Answer 7

Germany had lost 13% of it’s land, which contained about six million people

• Alsace- Lorraine was returned to France
• West Prussia and Posen was given to Poland
• Northen Schleswig was given to Denmark