Was the Treaty of Versailles Fair? Flashcards
Why was the Treaty of Versailles necessary?
To formally end WWI and prevent future conflicts.
Which countries were part of the Triple Alliance?
Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
Which countries were part of the Triple Entente?
France, Britain, and Russia.
What was the Schlieffen Plan?
Germany’s plan to invade France quickly through Belgium; it failed, leading to trench warfare.
Why did the USA enter WWI?
Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram.
When did WWI end?
Germany surrendered on November 11, 1918.
Who were the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?
Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (UK), Georges Clemenceau (France).
What was Clemenceau’s main goal?
To punish Germany harshly and ensure French security by weakening Germany.
What was Wilson’s main goal?
To create a fair peace with his ‘14 Points’ and establish the League of Nations.
What was Lloyd George’s main goal?
To balance punishment with maintaining trade relations with Germany.
What were the military restrictions on Germany?
Army limited to 100,000 men, no air force, restricted navy, and no troops in the Rhineland.
What territorial losses did Germany suffer?
Alsace-Lorraine to France, the Saar Basin under League control, Polish Corridor given to Poland.
What was Article 231?
The ‘War Guilt Clause’ that blamed Germany for WWI.
How much did Germany have to pay in reparations?
132 billion gold marks (£6.6 billion).
What happened to Germany’s colonies?
Given to Britain and France as League of Nations mandates.
Why did Germans call the Treaty a ‘Diktat’?
It was imposed on them without negotiation.
What was the economic impact of the Treaty?
Germany faced high reparations, hyperinflation, and economic instability.
What was the political impact of the Treaty?
It weakened the Weimar Republic and increased extremism.
What was the Kapp Putsch?
A 1920 right-wing coup attempt by the Freikorps against the Weimar government.
What was the Occupation of the Ruhr?
France and Belgium occupied Germany’s industrial region in 1923 due to unpaid reparations.
What was the impact of the Ruhr occupation?
It led to passive resistance, economic collapse, and hyperinflation.
What was hyperinflation in Germany?
The rapid devaluation of the German mark in 1923, making money worthless.
How did hyperinflation affect everyday life?
Workers were paid twice a day, and people carried wheelbarrows of cash to buy bread.
What was the Treaty of St Germain?
It disbanded the Austro-Hungarian Empire and reduced Austria’s military.
What was the Treaty of Trianon?
It took land from Hungary and reduced its military.
What was the Treaty of Neuilly?
It punished Bulgaria with land losses and reparations.
What was the Treaty of Sèvres?
It dismantled the Ottoman Empire, giving land to Britain and France.
How was the Treaty of Lausanne different?
It replaced the Treaty of Sèvres, restoring some land and removing reparations for Turkey.
How did the Treaty of Versailles justify its harsh terms?
Germany had imposed an even harsher treaty on Russia (Treaty of Brest-Litovsk).
Why did some believe the Treaty was too harsh?
It weakened Germany too much, making future conflict likely.
How did John Maynard Keynes criticize the Treaty?
He argued it would destroy Germany’s economy and lead to future war.
What did Marshal Foch say about the Treaty?
He predicted it was too lenient and would lead to another war.
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the rise of Hitler?
It caused economic hardship and resentment, which Hitler exploited.
What was the Munich Putsch?
A failed Nazi coup attempt in 1923, inspired by Mussolini’s March on Rome.
