What was the impact of the Treaty on the WR (CH1)

Question 1

What kind of Treaty were the Germans expecting?

Answer 1

Not a harsh one because…
- They had elected a new democratic government as Wilson wanted
- They needed support after WW1 as a harsh treaty would make it difficult to create a stable government
- Wilson himself believed in a fair treaty
- Germany was not to blame for war

Question 2

Give 4 facts about the Treaty of Versailles

Answer 2

• Signed on the 28th of June 1919
• Defeated countries were not invited
• Winning countries decided on the Terms
• Lead by the big three (France, Britain and USA)
• Hall of mirrors in Versailles

Question 3

BRAT (B - Blame)

Answer 3

• Article 231 stated that Germans were to blame for causing the war
• This meant Germany was responsible for the losses and damage in allied countries
• They had to solely accept the blame

Question 4

BRAT (R - Reparations)

Answer 4

• It was compensation to the Allies
• They had to pay for the damage suffered in Britain and France
• In 1922, they had to pay a fixed sum of 6.6 billion
• Given that the treaty also took 10% of its industry and 15% of its land, Germany couldn’t afford this

Question 5

BRAT (A - Armament)

Answer 5

• Restricted to 100,000 soldiers
• Restricted to 15,000 sailors
• Conscription was banned
• Airforce was banned
• 6 battleships, 36 boats and no submarines
• No tanks, armoured vehicles or heavy artillery
• Rhineland occupied for 18 years

Question 6

BRAT (T - Territory)

Answer 6

• Alsace Lorraine returned to France
• Lost 13% of its lands
• West Prussia and Posen given to Poland
• Memel was given to Lithuania
• Eupen and Melmedy to Belgium
• Nothern Schelswig to Denmark
• Danzig a free city
• Saarland taken by the LON

Question 7

How did the Germans react to the Treaty?

Answer 7

• The Treaty greatly weakened the new government
• Ludendorff encouraged the belief that Germany never really lost the war
• They believed weak politicians and communists demanded the peace
• ‘Stab in the Back’
• The Treaty became a symbol for Germanys humiliation and defeat

Question 8

What two major events were the aftermath of the Treaty?

Answer 8

The Ruhr crisis and Hyperinflation