option B topics 1-4

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed in 1919-1923 that officially ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

Big Three

Refers to the leaders of the major Allied powers during WWI - Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (UK), and Georges Clemenceau (France).

Reparations

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

League of Nations

An international organization established after WWI to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Georges Clemenceau

The Prime Minister of France during WWI and one of the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference.

Woodrow Wilson

The President of the USA during WWI and one of the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference.

Saar Basin

An area rich in coal and iron ore that was placed under the control of the League of Nations as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Self-determination

The right of a nation to govern itself independently, free from external interference.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed at the end of World War I that imposed strict penalties on Germany, leading to significant territorial, military, and economic losses.

Article 231

War Guilt:The clause in the Treaty of Versailles that assigned full blame for World War I to Germany, causing resentment and anger among the German population.

Reparations

The £6.6 billion payment demanded from Germany by the Treaty of Versailles as compensation for the damages caused during the war.

League of Nations

An international organization established by the Treaty of Versailles to promote peace and cooperation among countries, with Germany initially not allowed to join.

Demilitarization

The reduction of Germany's military to 100,000 men with restrictions on weapons and equipment, leading to feelings of humiliation and vulnerability.

Territorial Losses

Germany had to cede territories including its overseas colonies, Rhineland, Saarland, Alsace-Lorraine, and parts to Poland and Lithuania, resulting in a significant reduction of land and resources.

German Reaction

The negative response of Germany to the Treaty of Versailles, feeling unjustly treated and humiliated, leading to economic hardships and political unrest.

Economic Impact

The severe consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's economy, including hyperinflation, loss of industries, and high unemployment rates.

Kapp Putsch and Munich Putsch

Attempts by right-wing opponents of the Weimar Republic to overthrow the government in 1919 and 1923 respectively, fueled by discontent with the Treaty of Versailles.

Hyperinflation

The economic crisis in Germany in the 1920s caused by the rapid printing of money to address financial shortages, leading to a devaluation of the currency and soaring prices.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed at the end of World War I that imposed harsh conditions on Germany, leading to significant economic and territorial losses.

Schlieffen Plan

A German military strategy developed in 1898 to quickly defeat France in the west and then focus on Russia in the east.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's post-World War I plan for peace, advocating for principles such as self-determination and free access to the seas.

Reparations

Payments made by a defeated country to compensate for war damages and losses suffered by the victors.

War Guilt Clause

Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, which placed sole responsibility for the war on Germany.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The peace treaty between Russia and the Central Powers that ended Russia's participation in World War I, resulting in significant territorial losses for Russia.

Self-Determination

The right of people to choose their own political status and determine their own form of government.

Demilitarization

The reduction or elimination of a country's military forces or capabilities.

Economic Impact

The effect of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's economy, including reparations, loss of resources, and economic hardships.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed at the end of World War I that imposed harsh terms on Germany, leading to economic hardships, territorial losses, and military restrictions.

Kapp Putsch

An attempted coup in 1920 by Wolfgang Kapp and other right-wing extremists in Germany to overthrow the Weimar Republic in response to the Treaty of Versailles.

Munich Putsch

Also known as the Beer Hall Putsch, it was a failed coup attempt in 1923 by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to seize power in Munich, Germany.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, which faced challenges and opposition, including being labeled as "November Criminals" for signing the Treaty of Versailles.

War Guilt Clause

A clause in the Treaty of Versailles that assigned full responsibility for World War I to Germany and its allies, leading to feelings of humiliation and bitterness.

Reparations

Payments required by the Treaty of Versailles for war damages, which Germany struggled to pay, leading to economic hardships and political instability.

Hyperinflation

A rapid and uncontrollable increase in prices, leading to the devaluation of currency, which Germany experienced in the early 1920s due to economic challenges post-World War I.

Military Restrictions

Limitations imposed on the German military by the Treaty of Versailles, including reducing the army to 100,000 men, which affected national pride and security.

Diktat

The term used by Germans to describe the Treaty of Versailles as a dictated peace without their input, leading to resentment and a sense of powerlessness.

Treaty of Sevres

A treaty signed in 1920 that aimed to weaken Turkey's power and redistribute its territories among the Allied Powers.

Treaty of Lausanne

A treaty signed in 1923 that replaced the Treaty of Sevres and defined the borders of modern Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal

A nationalist leader in Turkey who led uprisings against the Treaty of Sevres and later became the first President of Turkey.

Treaty of Versailles

A treaty signed in 1919 that ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

Paris Peace Treaties

A series of treaties signed in 1919-1923 that reshaped the map of Europe and the Middle East after World War I.

Reparations

Payments made by the losing countries of World War I to the Allied Powers as compensation for damages.

War Guilt

The concept of attributing responsibility for starting a war and the resulting damages.

Self-determination

The right of people to choose their own political status and determine their own form of government.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

A treaty signed in 1918 between Russia and the Central Powers that ended Russia's participation in World War I.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson in his Fourteen Points after World War I to prevent future conflicts through collective security and cooperation among nations.

Covenant of the League

The constitution of the League of Nations, included in the treaties following World War I, outlining the aims and structure of the organization.

Collective Security

The principle that an attack on one member of an international organization is considered an attack on all members, aiming to deter aggression and maintain peace.

Disarmament

The reduction of military forces and weapons to prevent conflicts and promote peace, as advocated by the League of Nations.

Arbitration

The process of resolving disputes between nations by submitting them to impartial third parties, such as the League Council or the Court of International Justice.

Economic Sanctions

Measures taken to restrict trade and financial relations with a country as a form of punishment or to influence its behavior, used by the League of Nations to deter aggression.

Permanent Court of International Justice

The judicial body established by the League of Nations to settle disputes between nations through legal means, though lacking enforcement power.

Secretariat

The administrative body of the League of Nations responsible for maintaining records, preparing reports, and coordinating various specialized sections.

Assembly

The parliamentary body of the League of Nations where representatives from member countries discussed and voted on issues like admitting new members and approving the budget.

Council

A smaller group within the League of Nations consisting of permanent and temporary members, responsible for making decisions on major disputes and issues.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I with the goal of maintaining world peace and security.

Assembly

The main deliberative body of the League of Nations where each member had one vote, meeting once a year to make decisions.

Council

A smaller body within the League of Nations that met more frequently than the Assembly, but decisions could be dominated by the 4 permanent members with veto power.

Secretariat

The administrative arm of the League of Nations that brought together experts, but faced financial challenges as the League expanded.

Permanent Court of International Justice

Comprised of legal experts within the League of Nations, lacked the power to enforce decisions, making it relatively powerless.

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty that ended World War I and imposed restrictions on Germany, including forbidding its entry into the League of Nations until 1926.

Covenant

The constitution of the League of Nations, outlining the principles and obligations of its members to maintain peace.

Collective security

The concept that aggression against one member of an international organization is considered aggression against all members, leading to collective action.

Disarmament

The process of reducing or eliminating military weapons and capabilities to promote peace and prevent conflicts.

Aaland Islands

Dispute between Finland and Sweden over the possession of the Aaland Islands, resolved in favor of Finland by the League of Nations.

Upper Silesia

Conflict between Germans and Poles over control of the industrial area of Upper Silesia, resolved by splitting the region between the two parties.

Vilna

Dispute where Poland seized Vilna from Lithuania, despite League protests, leading to the city being recognized as part of Poland.

Corfu

Incident where Greek bandits killed Italians, resulting in Mussolini ordering a bombardment of Corfu and refusing to comply with League decisions.

Ruhr

Conflict where French and Belgian troops entered the Ruhr after Germany defaulted on reparation payments, rendering the League powerless.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

A specialized agency of the League of Nations that focused on labor issues and social justice.

Health Committee

A committee within the League of Nations that promoted good medical practices and introduced vaccines for diseases.

Slavery Commission

A commission established by the League of Nations to address issues related to slavery and human trafficking.

Dawes Plan

1924 plan where the USA lent money to Germany to aid in reparation payments and avert an economic crisis.

Manchuria

Region in China invaded by Japan in 1931-33, leading to League of Nations' failure to effectively respond due to member self-interest and lack of enforcement power.

Disarmament Conference

A series of events held from 1932-1934 aimed at achieving global disarmament, particularly focusing on limiting military capabilities and prohibiting certain weapons.

Germany

A country that played a significant role in the Disarmament Conference by proposing disarmament down to its level but later withdrew from the conference.

France

A nation that had concerns about military parity with Germany and was apprehensive about disarmament due to fear of invasion.

Italy and Japan

Militaristic countries that were not receptive to the disarmament conference, with Japan eventually leaving the League and the conference.

Hoare-Laval Pact

An unsuccessful compromise plan drawn up by Britain and France during the Abyssinian crisis, leaked to the public causing political fallout.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation, but faced challenges in enforcing disarmament and responding effectively to crises.

Hitler

The Chancellor of Germany during the Disarmament Conference, whose actions and rise to power influenced the dynamics of disarmament efforts.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I with the goal of maintaining world peace and security.

Abyssinia

Modern-day Ethiopia, a country whose invasion by Italy in 1935 exposed the weaknesses of the League of Nations.

Collective Security

The principle that aggression by one state against another should be met with a unified response from all members of an international organization.

Rome-Berlin Axis

An alliance formed between Germany and Italy in 1936, signaling a shift in international relations and power dynamics.

Economic Sanctions

Penalties imposed on a country to influence its behavior, often used as a diplomatic tool by international organizations.

Manchurian Crisis

A conflict in 1931 where Japan invaded Manchuria, showcasing the League of Nations' inability to effectively address acts of aggression.

Veto Power

The ability of certain members of an organization to block a decision, as seen in the League of Nations' Council with its permanent members.

Policy of Appeasement

A diplomatic strategy where concessions are made to an aggressor to avoid conflict, famously employed in the lead-up to World War II.

Manchurian Crisis

A conflict in 1931 where Japan invaded Manchuria, leading to tensions in the region.

Amau Declaration

A statement made by Japan in 1932 asserting its control over Manchuria.

Anit-Comintern Pact

A treaty signed in 1936 between Germany and Japan against the Communist International organization.

Pearl Harbour

A surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy against the United States naval base in Hawaii in 1941.

Saar Plebiscite

A referendum held in 1935 in the Saar region to determine its political future.

Remilitarization of the Rhineland

The reintroduction of German military forces into the Rhineland in 1936.

Treaty of Versailles

A peace treaty signed in 1919 that ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties on Germany.

Anglo-German Naval Treaty

An agreement signed in 1935 between Britain and Germany limiting the size of the German navy.

Stresa Front

A coalition formed in 1935 between Britain, France, and Italy to counter German aggression.