3_The terms of the Treaty of Versailles

1) League of Nations

An international organization founded to avoid future wars, from which Germany was initially excluded.

2) Rhineland Demilitarization

Under Article 42, Germany was forbidden to build new defenses and Allied troops occupied the territory for 5–15 years.

3) Saar Coalfields

The Saar coalfields were given to France for 15 years (Article 45) as compensation for coal-mines destroyed in northern France and part payment of reparations.

4) Territorial Losses

Germany lost approximately 13% of its European territory and all overseas colonies.

Which were the territories that Germany lost? (8)

1. Alsace-Lorraine (France)

2. Eupen & Malmedy (Belgium)

3. North Schleswig (Denmark)

4. Hulschin (Czechoslovakia)

5. West Prussia, Posen, Upper Silesia (Poland)

6. Saar, Danzig, Memel (League of Nations administration)

7. Gains from Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (Russia)

8. All colonies given as mandates to Britain and France

5) Union with Austria

Germany was forbidden to unite with Austria (Article 80) without League of Nations consent.

→ However, later broken in 1938 by the Anschluss, when Hitler annexed Austria.

6) Army Restrictions

1. Army limited to 100,000 men (Article 163), with a maximum of 7 infantry and 3 cavalry divisions (Article 160)

2. Conscription banned; German General Staff dissolved (Article 175).

3. Officers outside allowed units forbidden from military exercises.

7) Navy Restrictions

Germany was allowed only 6 battleships and no submarines (Article 181), with a manpower limit of 15,000 men. (Article 183)

8) Air Force Ban

Germany was forbidden to have military or naval aircraft and had to hand over all aircraft (Article 198)

• were prohibited from producing or importing for 6 months.

9) War Guilt Clause

Germany had to accept responsibility for starting the war (Article 231).

• this provided the legal basis for reparations, which was seen as humiliation.

• Germany called the Treaty a diktat (a dictated peace).

10) Reparations Amount

Germany was obligated to pay $31.4 billion in reparations, which significantly harmed its economy.