International Relations and Conflicts Before World Wars

Sectional Exercise 4 – Cartoon Study

Topic: International relations and reasons for conflicts before the two world wars

Section: The Second World War (Failure of the Paris Peace Conference (1919))

Instructions
  • Complete the following exercise after studying pages 22-24 of the textbook.

Hints for Questions

  • Question 1(c): Discontent of Germany, strong desire to take revenge and overthrow the peace treaty.
  • Question 2(c): Targets for expansion, an excuse for expansion.

SKILL Development

  • Objective: Training students to analyze the words and behavior of figures in cartoons.

Cartoon Analysis

  • The following two cartoons were published in 1919. Cite clues from the cartoons to point out the related settlements of the Paris Peace Conference. Explain how these settlements brought about hidden dangers to the peace of Europe after the First World War.

Cartoon 1 Analysis

Clue from the Cartoon

  • Cartoons depict the victorious countries forcing Germany to 'swallow' very bitter 'peace terms' in a metaphorical pill form.
    • Symbolism: A representation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Related settlements of the Paris Peace Conference (Treaty of Versailles)

  • Germany was required to sign the Treaty of Versailles:
    • Without prior consultation.
    • Required to disarm its military forces.
    • Mandated to pay reparations to the victorious countries.
    • Obliged to cede territories to other nations.
    • Had to accept the war-guilt clause which placed full blame on Germany for the outbreak of World War I.

Hidden Dangers Brought About by the Settlements

  • The harshness of the Treaty of Versailles:
    • Many Germans viewed the treaty as extraordinarily punitive.
    • The conditions led to widespread discontent and resentment among the German populace.
  • Desire for Revenge:
    • Many Germans felt a strong urge to seek revenge against those who imposed the treaty.
  • Longing for Leadership:
    • There was a burgeoning desire for a strong leader who would challenge the treaty.

Cartoon 2 Analysis

Identification of 'Treaty 1919'

  • The term 'Treaty 1919' in the cartoon specifically refers to the Treaty of Versailles.

Relationship of the Figures to 'Treaty 1919'

  • The three men in the cartoon represent:
    • American President Woodrow Wilson
    • British Prime Minister Lloyd George
    • French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau
  • Their roles:
    • They dominated discussions at the Paris Peace Conference (1919).
    • They were crucial in the signing of the Treaty of Versailles alongside German representatives.

Views on the Treaty and Peace in Europe

  • Cartoonist's Belief: The cartoonist expresses skepticism regarding the Treaty of Versailles's ability to establish lasting peace in Europe.
    • Indications from the Source:
    • A woman symbolizing 'peace' drags an iron ball marked with "Treaty 1919," suggesting she is burdened.
    • The metaphor of the 'Goal Bird' implies that peace is unattainable due to the constraints imposed by the treaty.
  • Explanation Using Knowledge:
    • Based on the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was required to:
    • Disarm its military.
    • Pay reparations.
    • Cede territories.
    • The war-guilt clause further worsened the situation, placing the entire blame on Germany, which many saw as deeply unfair.
    • The cartoonist fears these humiliations would instigate a dangerous desire for revenge among the Germans, potentially destabilizing Europe.

Skills and Contextual Understanding

  • Students should frame responses considering the historical context of the period when the cartoons were published (prior to 1919 events).
  • The answer must avoid reference to historical events occurring after the publication.