Humanities Treaty History

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty negotiated after First World War to punish Germany

France’s leader

Georges Clemenceau, nickname the Tiger, Prime Minister of France, tough determined stubborn

America’s leader

Woodrow Wilson, nicknamed The Professor, President of USA, idealistic, committed, principled

Britains leader

David Lloyd George, nicknamed the Man Who Won the War, Prime Minister of Britain, witty, driven and charismatic

Why did France want Germany punished

Concerned about France’s security after two invasions (Franco Prussian war and First World War). As well as revenge.

Damage to France

1.4 million military deaths, 300,000 civilian deaths, 4.3 million wounded, destroyed infrastructure

French Demands

Disarm Germany, high reparations, return Alsace - Lorraine (taken in 1871), Germa colonies, Rhineland separated from Germany, Saar Basin

Why did Wilson and Clemenceau disagree?

Both wanted lasting peace, Clemenceau wanted Germany harshly punished, while Wilson though too much would create more war

Why did Britain want Germany punished?

Zeppelin raids on British cities, public wanted them punished, wanted to protect British naval power, reduce German military, secure control over former German colonies

Why did Britain not want Germany destroyed?

Germany was important for trade, weak German economy would reduce demand for British exports, poor and angry Germany might become later threat

Britains Demands

Reparations (not too high), German colonies, German navy reduced, German military strength reduced to non threat

Why did Wilson want Germany treated different?

Wanted fair and lasting peace, believed excessive punishment would create hate, wanted cooperation

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

Aims that included principle over revenge, greater openness in international relations, reducing trade barriers, creating League of Nations

League of Nations

Organisation that encouraged countries to resolve disputes peacefully, supported by Wilson

What did Lloyd George convince Clemenceau of?

Let go of extreme demands including separation of Rhineland and annexation of Saar Basin

Why were Wilson’s aims difficult to achieve?

France wanted security and revenge while Britain wanted to protect its trade, navy and empire, Italy wanted territory

What happened with USA and the League of Nations?

USA did not join because US senate rejected membership

What were the difference in vulnerability?

France had suffered 2 invasions, Britain had suffered attacks and wartime costs, American joined later and experience less

Five Key Terms of the Treaty

War guilt (Germany and its allies had full responsibility which many Germans saw as unfair), Reparations (132 billion gold marks), Disarmament (1.3 million soldiers to 100,000, Rhineland demilitarised, no tanks, artillery, planes or subs, only 6 ships), Territory Loss (13% German territory, 10% of population, lost Alsace Lorraine and colonies), League of Nations.

Why did Germany resent the treaty?

Little say over the terms, humiliation, financial burden, reduced military, reduced overseas influence

What was the republic after the Kaiser’s rule?

Weimar Republic

What were some problems for the Weimar Republic?

Germans blamed it for accepting treaty, political groups challenged it, weak public confidence

What was the Kapp Putsch?

Right wing attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic in 1920, failed

What was the Beer Hall Putsch?

Attempted coup led by Adolf Hitler and Nazi Party in Munich 1923

What happened at the Kapp Putsch?

Hitler kidnapped key leaders and forced them to verbally endorse the revolution. On 9th November he led a march and is arrested. At trial he was able to defend himself and became a national celebrity. He was extended to 5 years but only served 9 months where he wrote the Mein Kampf

Diktat

Dictated peace, term used by German leaders to protest that the treaty was forced

Ruhr Occupation

German industrial region that was seized by France and Belgian troops in 1923, German workers resisted

Why could the Treaty be justified?

Enormous destruction and life loss, France needed protection, compensation, reduced future war threat, League of Nations offered new approach

Why couldn’t the Treaty be justified?

War guilt caused humiliation, viewed as Diktat, created extreme German economic pressure, did not automatically create lasting peace