Strengths and weaknesses of the Treaty of Versailles

What were some weaknesses of the Treaty of Versailles?

The German people resented the Treaty, Europe as a whole had too much faith in the League of Nations, and the US refused to sign the Treaty so it became weaker

What were some strengths of the Treaty of Versailles?

It brought peace to Europe, led to the foundation of the League of Nations, it restored borders from Germany to the countries that were invaded, and the demilitarisation of the Rhineland (and the limitations in the rest of Germany) gave surrounding countries more comfort and security

What was diktat?

Dictated peace - the Germans felt that there had been a lack of negotiation and the Treaty left them weak and humiliated

How was the foundation of the League of Nations a good thing?

It aimed to create lasting peace through helping countries resolve conflicts peacefully (democratically, using diplomacy) and avoid another major war, showing a desire to create a fairer and more stable world

How does allowing Germany to continue as a country benefit Europe?

Although Clemenceau wanted to split Germany into states like other treaties did to other countries such as Austria-Hungary, Wilson and Lloyd George wanted Germany to act as a barrier to communism (which was a threat to all of Europe at the time)

How was the war guilt clause a weakness?

It created stronger anger in the Germans, making them more likely to seek revenge on the Allies in future - like they did in WW2

How was the Treaty of Versailles seen to be weak?

The Treaty of Lausanne indicated that Allied politicians knew the Versailles settlement was unfair although they didn’t change the terms, so it undermined the Treaty

In what way was the Treaty of Versailles more harsh towards Germany than other Axis powers?

Austria and Hungary’s reparations were cancelled when their economies crashed, while Germany’s reparations were reduced but not stopped when their economy collapsed

How was the League of Nations weak?

The US wasn’t a part of it, weakening its influence and power, and the League ultimately failed in its primary objective to keep fair and lasting peace in Europe