Treaty of Versailles Flashcards

Flashcards covering the key aspects of the Treaty of Versailles, its impact, and related events.

What were the main aims of the Paris Peace Conference?

To create five peace treaties known as the Versailles Settlement, with the Treaty of Versailles focusing on Germany.

Who were the 'Big Three' at the Paris Peace Conference?

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

What did Georges Clemenceau primarily seek in the Treaty of Versailles?

To regain territory, limit Germany’s military strength, and have Germany pay for the damages caused during the war to France.

What were Woodrow Wilson's main motives regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

To establish a lasting peace based on his '14 Points', including self-determination for national groups, disarmament, open diplomacy, and the creation of the League of Nations.

What was David Lloyd George's view of the Treaty of Versailles?

A balance between France's desire for revenge and the need for a strong German economy for trade and to prevent the spread of communism.

What were the military restrictions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

The Rhineland was demilitarized, the army was restricted to 100,000 men, the navy was limited to six battleships with no submarines, and Germany was not allowed to have an air force.

What territorial losses did Germany face as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?

Loss of Alsace-Lorraine to France, Posen and West Prussia to Poland (creating the Polish Corridor), and its overseas colonies were given to France and Britain as mandates.

What were the major political and economic terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany was excluded from the League of Nations, had to accept the 'War Guilt' Clause (Article 231), and was required to pay substantial reparations, initially set at £6.6 billion.

What was the German reaction to the 'War Guilt' Clause?

Widespread anger and resentment as the German public felt it was unfair to solely blame them for the First World War.

How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's economy?

The high reparations, territorial losses, and restrictions on industry severely damaged the German economy, leading to hyperinflation in 1923.

What was the Kapp Putsch?

An attempt in March 1920 by Freikorps members, led by Wolfgang Kapp, to overthrow the Weimar government due to the planned disbandment of the Freikorps units.

What was the occupation of the Ruhr?

The invasion of the Ruhr region by French and Belgian troops in January 1923 after Germany failed to meet coal delivery requirements, leading to passive resistance by German workers and economic disruption.

Explain the hyperinflation crisis in Germany in 1923.

The Weimar government printed excessive amounts of money to pay striking workers and import coal, causing rapid and uncontrollable price increases, rendering the German mark worthless.

What was the Munich Putsch?

An attempt by Hitler and the Nazi Party in November 1923 to seize control of Bavaria and then march on Berlin, which ultimately failed and led to Hitler's arrest.

What were the Treaty of St. Germain, Treaty of Neuilly, Treaty of Trianon and Treaty of Sevres?

Treaties, aside the Treaty of Versailles, imposed by the Allied forces on Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Ottoman Türkiye (Turkey) respectively.

What were the shared features of the post-war treaties of 1919-1920?

Recognition of the League of Nations, acceptance of a 'War Guilt' Clause, obligation to pay reparations, restriction of the army, and loss of territory.