1.1 Germany treaty of versailes Flashcards
(28 cards)
What were the goals of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?
To create peace after WWI by avoiding harsh punishment and establishing lasting peace through international cooperation.
Who were the ‘Big Three’ at the Paris Peace Conference?
Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France)
What were Woodrow Wilson’s main ideas in his Fourteen Points?
No secret treaties, free trade, disarmament, self-determination, and a League of Nations to maintain peace.
What was Wilson’s vision for the League of Nations?
A world parliament to resolve disputes, promote disarmament, collective security, and moral influence.
What were Clemenceau’s main aims at Versailles?
Harsh punishment for Germany, including reparations and weakened military, to ensure France’s future security.
Why did Clemenceau and Wilson clash?
Clemenceau wanted Germany punished harshly; Wilson wanted fair peace and self-determination.
How did Lloyd George’s aims differ from Wilson’s and Clemenceau’s?
Wanted a balance — punish Germany but not too harshly; protect British Empire and trade interests.
What was the War Guilt Clause (Article 231)?
Germany had to accept full responsibility for causing WWI — seen as humiliating by Germans.
How much did Germany have to pay in reparations?
£6.6 billion — agreed in 1921, with payments stretching until 1984
How much land and population did Germany lose in the Treaty of Versailles?
Lost 10% of land and 12.5% of population; also lost overseas empire.
What happened to the Rhineland under the Treaty?
Became a demilitarised zone — Germany could not have military forces there.
What was the Saarland’s status post-Treaty?
Run by League of Nations for 15 years, then a vote (plebiscite) would decide if it returned to Germany.
What did the League of Nations aim to do?
Promote peace through disarmament, settle disputes, protect minorities, and improve health and welfare
What were some commissions of the League?
Refugee Committee, Health Committee, International Labour Organisation, Financial Committee
Name one success of the League’s humanitarian work
Helped around 400,000 displaced people return home after WWI.
Why did the USA not join the League of Nations?
The U.S. Senate rejected it, fearing entanglement in foreign wars and loss of sovereignty
Which major countries were never or late members of the League?
USA never joined, Germany joined in 1926, USSR in 1934, Japan left in 1933
Name two border disputes handled by the League.
Aaland Islands (Sweden/Finland, 1921, Finland victorious), Upper Silesia (Germany/Poland, 1921, both accepted divide)
Name one League failure in the 1920s.
Corfu Crisis (1923) — Italy attacked Greek island, League sided with Mussolini.
What were criticisms of the Treaty of Versailles by Germans?
Unfair war guilt clause, harsh reparations, loss of territory, exclusion from League of Nations.
What was the legacy of the League of Nations?
Although replaced by the UN in 1945, many of its commissions, like the Health and Labour Organisations, still exist today.
