History WW1 Treaties DBQ

Thesis

While the treaties were aimed at establishing peace, their repressive nature and restrictions on Germany were ultimately ineffective in securing a just and lasting peace in Europe.

1st Body Paragraph Format

• After WWI, Europe was devastated, and the Allies wanted to prevent future wars.

• Wilson’s Fourteen Points promoted self-determination and a fair League of Nations (Document 2).

• However, France (Clemenceau) wanted revenge, and Britain (Lloyd George) warned against a harsh treaty but still sought justice (Document 4).

• The treaties, especially the Treaty of Versailles, prioritized weakening Germany over creating a fair peace.

2nd Body Paragraph Format

• Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for the war (Article 231, Document 8).

• Wilson’s 14 points stated he wanted to end economic barriers (Document 1)

• Germany had to pay 132 billion gold marks in reparations, crippling its economy.

• Hyperinflation hit: German money became worthless (Document 6), and people burned stacks of it for fuel (Document 7).

• British economist John Maynard Keynes criticized the treaty for failing to rebuild Europe’s economy (Document 3).

3rd Body Paragraph Format

• Germany’s army was cut to 100,000 troops, no air force, and a small navy (Document 8).

• Lost Alsace-Lorraine and overseas colonies (Articles 51 & 119, Document 8).

• The Rhineland was demilitarized, making Germany vulnerable.

• A political cartoon shows Germany being force-fed harsh treaty terms, symbolizing how the treaty was imposed unfairly (Document 5).

1st Body Paragraph Topic Sentence

The Treaties Aimed for Peace but Were Driven by Punishment (The treaties established after World War I were intended to create a lasting peace by weakening Germany and preventing future conflicts)

2nd Body Paragraph Topic Sentence

Harsh Economic and Territorial Policies Led to German Resentment (The treaties’ harsh economic and territorial policies towards Germany crippled its economy and fueled resentment among its people.)

3rd Body Paragraph Topic Sentence

Military Restrictions Left Germany Weak but Angry (Alongside economic struggles, the Treaty of Versailles severely restricted Germany’s military, leaving it weak and vulnerable in a conflict)

1st Body Paragraph Documents

2 (Self determination), 4 (Clemenceau), 4 (Lloyd)

2nd Body Paragraph Documents

8 (Responsibility), 1 (14 points), 6 (Inflation stats), 7 (fuel/blocks), 3 (Economist)

3rd Body Paragraph Documents

8 (Army Divisions) , 5 (Political Cartoon)

Intro Format

Statement: treaties not abt peace, but punishment

europe devestated after ww1 and sought peace with treaties

Conclusion Format

The Treaty of Versailles was aimed at establishing peace. However, its repressiveness and restrictions on Germany ultimately did not work in securing a just and lasting peace in Europe.

state all points

gave reason for ppl to not like allied powers and led to ww2

An indication of why your argument matters.