WW1

Beginning and End of WW1?

1914-1918

Treaty of Versailles:

What were the terms? - The terms were that Germany must accept the responsibility of causing the war and that all ethnic groups would get to choose who they want to live with and governed by.

  • Signed in 1919 to officially end World War I between Germany and the Allied Powers.

  • Placed full blame on Germany for causing the war (the “war guilt” clause).

  • Imposed heavy reparations (payments) on Germany to compensate for war damages.

  • Limited the size of the German military to prevent future aggression.

  • Took away German territory and overseas colonies.

  • Established the League of Nations to promote peace and prevent future wars.

  • Created resentment in Germany, contributing to political instability and the rise of Hitler.

Which Countries were involved? - The Allied powers (Britain France, US and CAN) and (Germany and Austria/Hungary).

Who were their leaders were involved? -

Woodrow Wilson - President of USA (Idealist)

Georges Clemenceau - Prime Minister of France (realist)

David Lloyd George - Prime Minister of Britain (ideal = realist)

What did each country want? -

USA - Keep the peace

France - Wanted to cripple Germany + held desire for revenge

Britain - Wanted to get revenge on Germany + pay damage but also wanted trade opportunities for the future.

Germany after agreeing to the Treaty of Versailles:

  • Economic hardship: Germany had to pay huge reparations, which damaged its economy and caused inflation and poverty.

  • Loss of land: Germany lost important territories and all its overseas colonies, reducing its power and resources.

  • Military restrictions: Germany’s army was limited to 100,000 soldiers, and it was not allowed to have tanks, submarines, or an air force.

  • National humiliation: The “war guilt” clause blamed Germany for the entire war, causing anger and resentment among Germans.

  • Political unrest: Many Germans felt betrayed, leading to protests, riots, and the rise of extremist parties like the Nazis.

Germany from a realism perspective - Germany should be dealt very harshly and so bad that they couldn’t physically go to war again.

Germany from a Idealism perspective - Believed in peace and based on honorable principles.

Self-Determination - ethnic groups voted on the issue of who they wanted to live with and governed by.

War Guilt Clause - Germany alone must accept responsibility for causing the war. This justified the punishments that the allies wanted to inflict against Germany.

Significance of Nov 11, 1918 → REMEMBRANCE DAY (the day Germany surrendered)


Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrillo Princip 

Significance → Franz was the heir to Austrian throne and killed by Gavrillo a member of Black Hand while visiting Bosnia.

Imperialism: Extending the rule of authority of one country over other countries or territories. Involved forming and maintaining an empire through the establishments of colonies or spheres of influence

Nationalism: The strong of patriotism and pride for one’s country. Preserving own language, religion and traditions.

Arms Race: When 2 or more countries are in competition to become the best equipped militarily.

Militarism: the policy of making a country’s armed forces very strong and allowing a political situation have military interest dominate government policy.


Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria/Hungary and Italy

Triple Entente: France, Russia, Britain (Loose agreement) later had a formal agreement.

Central Powers: Germany, Austria/Hungary and Ottoman Empire

Carte Blanche/Blank Cheque - The blank cheque meant that they could fill any amount of money that they wanted for support.

Significance → Germany gave Austria/Hungary the blank cheque to support them even if it meant going to war.


PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affected the mental state of soldiers during battle because they were unfit to continue fighting for psychiatric reasons.


No Mans Land - The land between the two fighting countries where death was guaranteed if one stepped on the land.


Russian Revolution leading to Russia's exit from WW1