The Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, and events related to the instability in Europe caused by the Treaty of Versailles and the weaknesses of the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

A treaty signed in June 1919 that forced Germany to accept the War Guilt Clause, pay £6.6 billion in reparations, reduce its army to 100,000 soldiers, and give up important territories and colonies.

War Guilt Clause

A provision in the Treaty of Versailles that blamed Germany for causing World War I.

Weimar Government

The democratic government in Germany whose politicians were criticized for betraying Germany by accepting the Treaty of Versailles.

Occupation of the Ruhr

The 1923 occupation of the Ruhr region by France and Belgium after Germany failed to make its reparation payments.

Hyperinflation of 1923

An economic collapse of the German mark caused by the German government printing money to pay striking workers during the Ruhr occupation.

League of Nations

An organization established in 1920 to maintain peace and prevent future wars, which was weakened by having no army of its own and lacking the involvement of the USA, Germany, and the USSR.

President Wilson

The US President who strongly supported the idea of the League of Nations, despite the USA never joining it.

Lytton Commission

A commission sent by the League of Nations in 1931 to investigate Japan's invasion of Manchuria, which took about a year to produce its report.

Invasion of Manchuria

A 1931 act of aggression by Japan, resulting in a League of Nations report that Japan rejected before leaving the League in 1933.

Invasion of Abyssinia

A 1935 invasion by Italy where the League imposed economic sanctions that failed to stop the aggression because oil was not included and the Suez Canal remained open.