How significant was the treaty of Versailles?

What were the Treaty’s terms seen as?

Seen as unfair and were simply described as a diktat (order imposed without popular consent)

What is unilateral disarmament?

Disarmament of one party. Wilson pushed for universal disarmament after ware, but France and Britain were more suspicious.

What were the views on Wilsons lack of self-determination?

Treaty considered to be very different than Wilson’s 14 points. Many Germans found it impossible to understand how and why the guiding principle of self-determination was not applied in a number of cases.

What were views on the loss of German colonies?

Not in line with the fifth of Wilson’s Fourteen Points, which had called for ‘an impartial adjustment of all colonial claims’. Instead, placed under control of Allies as mandates.

What was Article 231?

The War Guilt Clause.

How did German people react to Article 231?

Found impossible to accept. Allies used this article to justify demanding payments for reparations.

Most Germans thought Germany should not be held solely responsible for outbreak of war. Convinced war was fought for defensive reasons because their country had been threatened by ‘encirclement’ from Allies in 1914.

What were German views on reparations?

Seen as totally unreasonable. Worryingly, actual size of reparations payment was not mentioned in Treaty of Versailles - left to be decided at a later date by IARC (Inter-Allied Reparations Committee). This amounted to their being forced to sign a blank cheque. 

What were German views on disarmament?

Seen as grossly unfair, as Britain and France remained highly armed and made no future commitments to disarm.

Seemed Germany had been unilaterally disarmed, whereas Wilson was in favour of universal disarmament.

What were German views on their treatment by the allies?

Viewed as undignified and unworthy of a great power.

e.g. Germany excluded from League of Nations but as part of treaty, was forced to accept rules of its covenant.

Many Germans saw League as a tool of allies rather than a genuine international organisation.

What were Britain and France’s views on the impact of the Treaty in Germany?

Britain developed a growing sympathy for Germany’s position. However, France did not, they thought the treaty was too lenient.

What was the Paris Peace settlement concerned with?

Not solely concerned with Germany but also Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey who were forced to sign separate treaties.

Where did Britain have national interests to protect?

The Middle East as a result of the collapse of the Turkish Empire.

In the end, the Treaty of Versailles was a compromise.