The armistice and the Treaty of Versailles

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

The final agreement on what punishments to give Germany for playing a role in starting WW1

Was anyone happy with the Treaty of Versailles?

No

Why was no one happy with the Treaty of Versailles?

It was either too harsh or too lenient for each country’s liking

What four areas did the Treaty of Versailles deal with?

Military restrictions, territorial changes, reparations and war guilt

What military restrictions were placed on Germany?

Germany couldn’t have over 100,000 soldiers, any submarines, tanks or aircraft, or over 6 navy ships. It also banned conscription and demilitarised the Rhineland

What is conscription?

Forcing certain members of a country to sign up for war

Why were there such harsh military restrictions?

Germany’s previously large army was a threat to the rest of Europe so the Treaty sought to weaken it

Which country played the largest part in military restrictions and why?

France because they wanted to ensure that Germany wouldn’t invade it again - the demilitarisation of the Rhineland was particularly beneficial as the land borders France, so aimed to prevent any military gatherings in that area

What territorial changes were made?

Alsace-Lorraine was made part of France, the Rhineland was demilitarised, the Saar was put under control of the League of Nations for 15 years, west Prussia was given to Poland to create a Polish corridor to the sea, Danzig was a city put under the League of Nations’ control but free from Germany, and there were mandates given to the League of Nations too.

What is the Saar?

An important region of industry which included coal mining

How did mandates benefit France and Britain?

Mandates were German colonies under the League’s control - however, they essentially gave the colonies to Britain and France

What territory did Germany lose?

West Prussia, Alsace-Lorraine, Danzig and all of its colonies

What were reparations?

Payments made from Germany to Britain, France and America

What was the total amount agreed that Germany would give to these countries?

£6.6 billion

When was it estimated that Germany would finish paying reparations?

1988

When did Germany finish paying reparations in reality?

2010

What was the war guilt clause?

It forced Germany to take all of the blame for starting WW1

Why was the war clause unfair?

It didn’t account for any other countries positions in beginning WW1 and enabled the Allies to give any punishment to Germany that they wanted

What is another name for the war guilt clause?

Article 231

What percentage of its land did Germany lose?

13%

What percentage of its population did Germany lose as a result of territorial changes?

10%