What was the impact of the peace treaty on Germany up to 1923?

Question 1

One reason Germans objected to the treaty of Versailles?

Answer 1

One reason why Germany objected to the Treaty of Versailles was because they lost a lot of money and territory. The “War Guilt” clause made people especially angry and therefore hated it because the Germans did not feel like they started the war. The people were spiteful because they had to pay reparations even though the German economy had taken a big hit during the war. Germany had lost all of its overseas colonies, which were then taken over by the French and British. They had lost 10 percent of their European territory as well as 12.5 percent of their people which was a major blow to their pride and economy.

Question 2

Another reason Germans objected to the treaty of Versailles?

Answer 2

One reason why Germany objected to the treaty of Versailles was because of favoritism and harsh penalties. The German army was reduced to 100,000, their air force was disbanded and their navy was minimal, all of which seemed very unfair to the Germans. Despite Wilson’s Fourteen Points calling for disarmament none of the allies were forced the same way. Germans felt as though their punishment was going against the Fourteen Points as self-determination was called for, german-speaking people were becoming part of different countries to be ruled by a non-german. Germans considered this unfair and that they got punished way too hard.

Question 3

Explain the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany by 1923: One reason

Answer 3

One impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany by 1923 was political violence. After the Treaty political violence started with the rising of Kapp Putsch in 1920 led by the right-wing opponents of Ebert in an attempt to start a revolution. However, it was defeated by the General Strike which paralyzed essential services but saved the Eberts government, at the cost of added chaos. There were numerous attempted assassinations even after Kapp’s defeat, political violence still remaining a constant threat. In the summer of 1922 Germany’s foreign minister, Walther Rathenau was murdered and then in November 1923 an attempted rebellion led by Hitler.

Question 4

Explain the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany by 1923: Second reason

Answer 4

Another impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany by 1923 was the downward spiral of Germany’s economy. The reparations had taken a lot out of Germany weakening their economy and soon stopped paying altogether. The French were not happy about this however which led them to invade Germany’s Ruhr region and started taking what was owed to them in terms of raw materials. The government ordered the people to go on strike so that they didn’t produce anything the French could take, which the French didn’t take kindly to and reacted by killing 100 workers. The loss of workers and raw materials makes for a more inefficient workplace. As well as no products being produced means that Germany can’t earn any money by selling.