Flashcards on the Paris Peace Conference, the League of Nations and WWI

Flashcards to help review the main topics from the lecture notes.

Name the countries that formed the Triple Alliance before WWI.

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Name the countries that formed the Triple Entente before WWI.

Britain, France, and Russia.

What event triggered the outbreak of World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.

Which countries were part of the Triple Alliance during WWI?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire.

Which countries were part of the Triple Entente during WWI?

Britain, France, Russia, Serbia, Greece, Japan, Italy, and the United States of America.

What were the impacts of WWI?

Creation of new nation states and territorial boundaries, more resistance against war and conflict, European economies ruined, high unemployment, drastic loss of lives and women being given opportunities to work.

What was the aim of the Paris Peace Conference?

To decide on the terms of an official treaty to be signed between the victors and the defeated powers to officially end WWI.

What were the sentiments of the people of Britain, France, and the U.S. in 1919 regarding Germany?

They felt strongly that Germany was responsible for the war and should be punished.

Name the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference.

David Lloyd George (Britain), Woodrow Wilson (USA), and Georges Clemenceau (France).

What was the main aim of Woodrow Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference?

To strengthen democracy in Germany so its people would not let its leaders start another war and self-determination; nations should rule themselves.

What was the aim of David Lloyd George at the Paris Peace Conference?

To protect Britain, rebuild Britain’s economic prosperity, and maintain the British Empire.

What was the aim of Georges Clemenceau at the Paris Peace Conference?

To weaken Germany as much as possible so that they would never invade France again.

What was the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany had to accept full blame for causing WWI. Also known as Article 231.

How much money was Germany expected to pay in reparations?

6.6 billion pounds.

What were the territorial reductions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany lost 10% of its land and 12% of its population; German colonies were handed over to the League of Nations; Austria-Hungary empire was dissolved; Austria was not allowed to join with Germany.

How was Germany demilitarized by the Treaty of Versailles?

Army limited to 100,000 men, conscription banned, no air force, tanks, or submarines, navy limited to 6 battleships, and the Rhineland was to become a demilitarized zone.

Was Germany allowed to join the League of Nations?

No.

What were the key aims of the League of Nations?

Collective security and disarmament; to resolve international disputes without going to war.

What were some concerns about the League of Nations?

Distrust made disarmament difficult, the League lacked its own army, and leading powers like the US, USSR and Germany were not members.

Why was the US not a member of the League of Nations?

The US Congress refused to let the US join.

When was Germany allowed to join the League of Nations?

1926