Treaty of Versailles-Unit 1

How was the case for treating Germany harshly strengthened?

By the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk regarding Russia in 1918. Germany had drawn up this Treaty and it was much harsher than the Treaty of Versailles (Russia lost 25% of land and population) ; when this came to light, many felt Germans were operating on a double standard and were hypocritical. Also strengthened the notion of the evil ambitions of Germany.

Some specific examples of territory changes?

Togoland and Cameroon - Britain and France Southwest Africa - South Africa New Guinea - Australia Rhineland - demilitarised Saarland - became a mandate under the League Upper Silesia - Poland Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia - independent states

What were Germany's overall losses?

- 10% of land - all colonies - 12.5% population - 16% of coalfields and 1/2 iron industry - army reduced to 100,000 - had to accept war guilt

What was the German reaction to disarmament?

- army was a symbol of German pride - 100,000 very small number for large nation - despite 14 points, none of the allies disarmed to the same extent - felt it was unfair

What was the German reaction to loss of territories?

- blow to both pride and economy - Saar and Upper Silesia were important industrial areas; many lost their jobs and homes - as Germany lost land, Britain and France gained by taking control of former German territories

What was the German reaction to reparations?

- despite ruined economy, excepted to make large payments - people had very little food to eat - feared payments would cripple them

What was the German reaction to the League of Nations and 14 Points?

- felt Treaty differed from the 14 points - while self determination given to Eastern European states, Germans were divided by the Anschluss or were hived off - further insulted by not being invited to the League

What was the overall reaction to these clauses?

- horror - outrage - did not feel that they had really lost the war; simply agreed to a ceasefire (did not understand the actual military situation of the army) - were angry that government were not represented at the talks - new govt. initially refused to sign treaty and navy sunk their ships in protest; war threatened to break out - Ebert forced to sign the Treaty on June 28th 1919

What was the German reaction to war guilt?

- particularly hated clause - felt blame should be shared

Were the Germans operating on a double standard?

- to many, yes - felt the call for fairer treatment opposed the way Germany had treated Russia in the Treaty of Brest Litovsk in 1918 (much harsher than the Treaty of Versailles) - economic problems were also partially self inflicted - Kaiser promised to pay for war through extracting war debts while other states raised taxes

What were the aims of the conference as a whole?

- to punish Germany - to create a long lasting peace - to reward the Allied countries/victors - to cripple Germany and prevent war

What were the disagreements between Big 3?

Clemenceau and Lloyd George disagreed on how harsh Germany's punishment should be. He felt that the Lloyd-George was being hypocritical and willing to act harshly in his own interests, but disregard anything else. Clemenceau and Wilson disagreed also on the harshness of the Treaty as the former felt it was easier for the USA to make these decisions as they had been the least affected by the War. He resented Wilson's more generous attitude towards the Germans; also disagreed about the Rhineland. Lloyd-George and Wilson disagreed about self-determination and his second point regarding opening the seas to all nations. Britain had always taken pride in its navy and control over the ocean; the former point was threatening to the idea of an empire.

What were David Lloyd George's aims?

Did want to punish Germany but not too harshly as he did not want to Germany to take revenge in the future. Wanted to weaken Germany in the aspects which threatened Britiain-Germany's navy and empire-but wanted Germany to remain Britain's trading partner (had been second largest trading partner pre war) as this equated to more jobs for the British people. However, had to deal harshly with Germany as he promised during his campaign.

What was the impact of the Treaty on Ebert's government?

Ebert's government, although it began on a weak foundation was plunged into chaos upon signing the Treaty. The rightwingers revolted against him (Kapps Putsch) but were defeated by a general strike, which paralysed essential services in Berlin and although it saved his government, it perpetuated the bitterness.

What were the economic consequences of the Treaty?

Germany also fell behind its reparation payments in 1922, leading to a Belgian and French invasion of the Ruhr in 1923. The government ordered the workers to strike and the French reacted harshly, killing over 100 workers and expelling 100,000 protestors from the region. This resulted in both hyperinflation (as govt printed more money to pay) and Germany lacking goods to trade with other countries. Money became virtually worthless and prices shot up. Wages were paid daily.

What was the war guilt clause?

Germany had to accept the blame for starting the war (was seen as extremely harsh).

What was the reparations clause?

Germany had to pay the Allied countries 6,600 million pounds overall for war damages; this was later changed under the Young Plan fo 1929. Finished paying but 1984 however Germany was not consulted about the sum.

What were the territory clauses?

Germany lost all colonies and their empire (cause of bad relations with the British). Most colonies became mandates controlled by the League but were primarily controlled by Britain and France. Borders were very extensive thus dealing wtih them were complex; Germany was forbidden to join Austria again.

Which country was not invited to the Conference?

Germany was not invited much to the outrage of her citizens.

What were the armed forces clauses?

Germany's army was severely restricted; only 100,000 men allowed and conscription was banned. Six battleships were permitted and no aircrafts, submarines or tanks.

What were Georges Clemenceau's aims?

He aimed to weaken Germany to the point where it could not threaten France again. Germany had been a threat to France since its invasion of it in 1870 and its economy was in a better state than France's post WW1 + France had a declining population. Poncaré wanted Germany to be broken into a series of smaller states in order to cripple it completely but Clemenceau knew the others would not agree to this. He also faced large public pressure from France to deal harshly with Germany.

What was the mood in 1919?

The Big Three were under great pressure from their countries to deal harshly with Germany as many felt she was to blame for the war. There was a strong feeling Germany should pay for the war (especially in France as industries and economies were in a bad state + millions of young men killed on both sides). Villages in Belgium and France were devastated; ordinary civilians also faced food shortages. The total British and French casualties were 9 million. Although no fighting occurred on British soil, almost every family had lost a member in the fighting. Anti-Germany politicians garnered large amounts of support from the masses.

What were possible alternatives to Germany's circumstances?

The French reacted too harshly in 1923; Germany's economic problems were largely self-inflicted due to wartime investments.

How can the Treaty be justified?

The Treaty can be justified in a few ways. Firstly, the Treaty was regarded as fair in that time as there was large pressure from the Allied countries about Germany's involvement. Secondly, a less harsh treaty would not have been acceptable in Britain and France. Thirdly, peace treaties are difficult to create in the first place.

What was the ToV?

The Treaty of Versailles was a document created during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 by the Allied leaders. It dealt with what to do about Germany.

What was the duration of the Paris Peace Conference?

They began in January 1919 and ended on the 28th June 1919.

What were Woodrow Wilson's aims?

Was seen as an idealist whose aim was to foster peace; believed that Germany should be punished but not too harshly. His main aim was to strengthen democracy in the defeated nation so the people would prevent the governments from inciting war; he believed nations should cooperate for peace and published his 14 points to achieve this. Main goals were to set up an international body for peace (the League of Nations) and self-determination in Eastern Europe; many in Europe disagreed with his 14 points as they seemed impractical and unfeasible.

What were the verdicts on the Treaty according to them?

Wilson - regarded it as disappointing and declared that if he was German he would not have signed it. The Congress refused to recognise the Treaty. Lloyd George - received a hero's welcome when he returned home to Britain but personally had reservations about it. Regarded the Treaty a great pity and felt it was sure to provoke war. Clemenceau - dissatisfied with the Treaty as he felt it was not harsh enough. Was not reelected in 1920.

What were the compromises made?

Wilson had to give way on the Rhineland but in return, the other two agreed to self-determination and the establishing of a League of Nations-one of the Wilson's main goals.

Who were the Big Three?

Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France)