1.6 The Paris Peace Conference and Treaty of Versailles

Reparations

Payments made by a defeated country to compensate for damages caused during a war.

Central Powers

The coalition of countries led by Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I.

Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for peace that was to be used for peace negotiations to end World War I, outlined by Woodrow Wilson.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States, who led the country during World War I and proposed the Fourteen Points.

David Lloyd George

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the latter part of World War I and the Paris Peace Conference.

Georges Clemenceau

The French Prime Minister during World War I, known for his strong stance against Germany.

Vittorio Orlando

The Prime Minister of Italy during World War I, who represented Italy at the Paris Peace Conference.

Treaty

A formal agreement between two or more states, often ending a war and outlining terms of peace.

Friedrich Ebert

The first President of Germany after World War I, who led the country during the transition to democracy.

Sudetenland

A region in Czechoslovakia that was inhabited by ethnic Germans and was a point of contention after World War I.

Arms Race

A competition between nations for military supremacy, characterized by the buildup of weapons and military forces.

Conscription

Mandatory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces.

Armaments

Military weapons and equipment.

Demilitarised

The reduction or elimination of military forces and weapons in a specific area.

Scuttled

To deliberately sink a ship or destroy equipment to prevent it from being used.

Article 231

A clause in the Treaty of Versailles that placed full blame for the war on Germany.

Disarmament

The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons.

Covenant

An agreement or promise, often referring to the League of Nations covenant established after World War I.

Count Brockdorff-Rantzau

The German foreign minister who represented Germany at the Paris Peace Conference.

War Guilt Clause

Article 231 forced the German public and government to accept responsibility for the war.

Great Land Grab

Refers to the territorial acquisitions made by the victors in the Treaty of Versailles.

Mandates in Treaty of Versailles

Examples include territories granted to Britain and France, which took responsibility for them.

Population Loss in Germany

Germany lost 10% of its population in Europe following the Treaty of Versailles.

Main Purpose of the League of Nations

To maintain peace and prevent future conflicts.

Enforcement of Peace by the League of Nations

The League intended to enforce peace through collective security and diplomacy.

Economic Impact of Territorial Loss

The loss of population and land had a detrimental effect on Germany's economy.

Germany's Relationship to the League of Nations

Germany was initially excluded from the League of Nations.

Sudetenland Response

The locals responded with resistance and calls for self-determination.

Restrictions on Germany and Austria

Germany and Austria faced military limitations and territorial losses.

German Delegation Treatment

The German delegation was treated with hostility upon their arrival in Paris.

Surprise at Treatment

The German delegation was surprised by the harsh treatment they received.

Signing in the Hall of Mirrors

The Treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors to symbolize the power dynamics at play.

Reparations Amount

Germany had to pay reparations amounting to 132 billion gold marks, insisted upon by France.

Choice of Germany in regards to the Treaty of Versailles

Germany had no choice but to sign the Treaty to avoid renewed conflict.

Limiting Germany's Military Power

The Treaty included rules limiting the size of the German Army and military capabilities.

League of Nations Successes

The League had some successes in mediating disputes and providing humanitarian aid.

German Response to Treaty

'We will never stop until we win back what we deserve!'

War Guilt Clause Reaction

'The war guilt clause was a lie.'

Death Sentence Statement

'Those who sign this treaty, will sign the death sentence of many millions of [our] men, women and children.'

Expectations of Treaty

'The expectations of this treaty are more than [we] bear.'

Defense War Claim

'We emphatically deny that the people of Germany, who were convinced that they were waging a war of defence, should be burdened with the sole guilt of that war.' Count von Brockdorff.