UF Summer Quiz 3 Revision sheet: Impact of ToV on Germany

Flashcards about the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany.

Why did the Treaty leave many Germans feeling defenceless?

The German military had been severely reduced by the Treaty, whilst other nations had not been forced to disarm.

Germany was affected economically by its territorial losses. List 4 examples of such losses.

10% of their land in Europe, all overseas colonies, 12.5% of the population, 16% of its coalfields

Germans saw the Treaty as a ‘diktat’; a dictated peace. What was the ultimatum given to Germany at the peace talks?

Accept the terms of the Treaty of Versailles or face occupation.

What was the name of the new regime set up in Germany following the abdication of the Kaiser?

The Weimar Republic

Which event in 1920 saw the right-wing, anti-communist Freikorps overtake Berlin, only to be defeated by workers going on strike?

The Kapp Putsch

Who was murdered by right-wing extremists in 1922?

Foreign Minister, Walter Rathenau

In November 1923, Hitler and the Nazis attempted to seize control in the Munich Putsch. What is this event also known as?

The Beer Hall Putsch

What was the plan for the Munich Putsch?

To establish a nationalist government by marching on and overthrowing the Bavarian government.

Which group took advantage of anti-communist feeling in 1920 and attempted a rebellion in the Ruhr?

Communists

Germany paid its first instalment of reparations in 1921. In which year did they default (not pay, saying they could not afford)?

1922

How did France and Belgium respond to the Germans defaulting on their payments?

In 1923, they occupied the Ruhr, seizing raw materials and goods as payment.

President Ebert ordered German workers to use passive resistance in response. How did France react?

Over 100 workers were killed, and over 100,000 strikers were expelled from the region.

To solve the crisis, the German government printed off more money. By November 1923, what was the value of 1 US Dollar in the German currency?

Over 4 trillion marks

What is the term for when a currency becomes devalued rapidly due to overprinting of money?

Hyperinflation

How did right-wing nationalists respond to the Ruhr crisis?

They infiltrated the region and carried out acts of sabotage, such as derailing trains carrying supplied to French soldiers.

Why did many in Germany resent the reparations?

Germany was trying to rebuild its trade and finances after the war.

Why did some British politicians and journalists criticise the harshness of the Treaty?

They were concerned it may lead to a future war with Germany.

Who claimed that Versailles was a twenty-year ceasefire; that it did not sufficiently protect France from invasion?

Marshal Foch, of the French army.

Which treaty, imposed on Russia by Germany in 1918, did many feel was far harsher than the Treaty of Versailles (and therefore, that the ToV was too lenient)?

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Describe two arguments as to why the Treaty was seen as fair by some.

Some British journalists believed Germany could afford the economic and territorial costs of the Treaty, Some in the USA saw the ToV as the only possible compromise that could be made between the Allies after the war