The Treaty of Versailles 1919

In what month and year did the Paris Peace Conference begin?

January 1919

How many nations met in Paris to write the peace treaty?

32 allied nations

What is the formal definition of a 'Treaty'?

A binding agreement between national governments.

Who were the three primary leaders (the 'Big Three') at the Paris Peace Conference and which countries did they represent?

Georges Clemenceau (Prime Minister of France), David Lloyd George (Prime Minister of Britain), and Woodrow Wilson (President of USA)

What were the primary discussions at the Paris Peace Conference?

Nations to blame for the war and their punishment, payment for damage repair, what to do with the land/colonies of the defeated, how to prevent future wars.

What was the primary goal of Georges Clemenceau for France during the peace negotiations?

He wanted revenge and to make Germany so weak that it could never start another war.

What was the primary goal of Woodrow Wilson for USA during peace negotiations?

To prevent future wars, and for people in Europe to have self-determination.

What was the primary goal of David Lloyd George for Britain during peace negotiations?

To balance punishing Germany while preserving its economy/trade, prevent further war, want fair peace.

What were the three main categories of effects the Treaty of Versailles had on Germany?

Loss of territory and colonies, limits on the size and power of the military, and the payment of reparations

What percentage of its territory and population did Germany lose under the treaty?

13% of its territory and 12% of its population

What happened to the Rhineland region under the military restrictions?

It was to be occupied by French and other Allied soldiers for 15 years, and no German soldiers or defenses were permitted there.

What were the specific limitations placed on Germany's army?

The army was limited to 100,000 men with no tanks or chemical weapons

What limitations were placed on the German navy?

It was limited to 15,000 men, 6 battleships, and 12 destroyers, no submarines

What is the significance of Clause 231 of the Treaty?

It forced Germany to accept responsibility for causing all the loss and damage of the war.

How much was Germany ordered to pay in reparations, and over what time period?

132 billion gold marks over 50 years

Why did the Germans refer to the Treaty of Versailles as a 'Diktat'?

Because they were not allowed a say in the making of the treaty; it was a 'dictated peace.'

Why did the German government feel they had no choice but to sign the treaty?

Because the Allies continued to blockade German ports (blocking food supplies) and threatened to invade Germany if the treaty was not signed

What day was the Treaty of Versailles officially signed?

28 June 1919

Who did German nationalists label as the 'November Criminals'?

The German government officials/politicians who signed the treaty.

What was the 'Stab-in-the-back' myth?

The false belief that Germany had not really lost the war but was betrayed (stabbed in the back) by socialist politicians who seized power for their own benefit.

What was Marshal Ferdinand Foch's famous prediction regarding the treaty?

'This is not peace. It is an armistice for 20 years.'

Which Allied nations gained specific German colonies in the Pacific and Africa?

Australia, Japan, France, Britain, and South Africa

What happened to Germany’s coal production?

50% of their produced coal given to Allies, the Saar coalmines taken by France

What happened to German businesses/property?

All German businesses and properties in other countries were confiscated

Why did Germans resent the signing of the treaty? (blame)

They resented being given the solo blame, many believed it was a defensive war

Why did Germans resent the signing of the treaty? (army)

Fear that a small army would leave them defenceless in the future

Why did Germans resent the signing of the treaty? (future)

Belief that signing meant ‘selling’ future generations into slavery to pay off the 132 billion marks reparations.