Inter-War Period

Paris Peace Treaties

Series of agreements that concluded World War I, primarily focusing on the Treaty of Versailles.

Territorial Changes

Germany lost 9% of its territory and 13% of its population due to the treaties.

Article 231

Known as the 'War Guilt Clause,' it placed full responsibility for World War I on Germany.

Weimar Republic

Germany's government from 1919 to 1933, facing political instability and economic crises.

Hyperinflation

Economic phenomenon in 1923 that devastated savings and was primarily caused by reparations payments.

League of Nations

International organization established after World War I to promote peace, but ultimately failed to prevent WWII.

Cordon Sanitaire

Aimed to politically isolate Germany and Russia from Western Europe.

Gleichschaltung

Implementation of policies that centralized authority under Nazi control and eliminated political opposition.

Dolchstosslegende (Stab-in-the-back legend)

Myth suggesting that Germany was betrayed by internal enemies, used to justify grievances against the Weimar Republic.

Collective Security

Intended system where member states would act together against aggressors, but ultimately failed.

Armistice

Agreement to stop fighting temporarily, often preceding formal peace treaties.

Reparations

Payments made by Germany to compensate for war damages after World War I.

Totalitarianism

Political system where the state holds total authority over society.

Woodrow Wilson

President of the United States who advocated for the League of Nations and promoted the Fourteen Points.

Georges Clemenceau

French Prime Minister during the Paris Peace Conference who sought to severely punish Germany.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of Nazi Germany who rose to power exploiting discontent with the Versailles Treaty.

Gustav Stresemann

German politician who worked to stabilize Germany’s economy and improve relations with Western powers.