1.2 The Peace Settlement Flashcards
Terms: How were the Gov forced to sign?
-The Germans had not been allowed to be present at the Conference in Jan 1919.
-They were given the terms on the 7th May & tried to suggest some changes, but only a few were agreed to.
-On the 16th June, the German government were given 7 days to accept, or the war would start again.
-On the 28th June, (after the government had resigned and a new coalition formed) it was signed by all the powers.
Terms: Why were the Germans surprised by the severity?
-Wilson’s 14 points had made them believe that there would be some lenience. It had stressed the importance of self-determination, and yet many ‘German states’ were no longer German.
-The war had devastated the economy, so they felt reparations were obscenely high.
Terms: What were some territorial losses?
-13% of all German territory was lost (about 70,000km^3)
-Eupen & Malmedy were given to Belgium, Northern Schleswig-Holstein to Denmark. Posen, West Prussia, and Pomerania (the polish corridor) went to Poland.
-Danzig was made a free city under LoN
-African colonies were given as mandates to LoN
-75% of iron ore, 68% of zinc ore, and 26% of coal were lost
Terms: What were some terms related to the Rhineland?
-Rhineland was to be permanently demilitarised from the left bank to a 50km strip on the bank.
-An allied army of occupation was based here to ensure Germany fulfilled their treaty obligations.
Terms: What were some terms related to the Saarland?
-South-West Germany, containing many iron and coal reserves was placed under the LoN for 15 years
-Germany would provide France, Belgium, and Italy with free coal, and France would be allowed to exploit the mines freely.
Terms: What were some terms related to Disarmament?
-All heavy weapons surrendered, and fortifications in the Rhineland dismantled.
-Conscription was banned, and they were limited to 100,000 soldiers.
-Navy was limited to 15,000 mean, and 6 battleships. They were no longer allowed an air force.
Terms: What were some terms related to Guilt?
-Article 231 was the War Guilt Clause, claiming they were entirely responsible for starting the war.
-This made them liable from the £6.6 billion of reparations.
Terms: What were some other terms?
-Anschluss was banned
-Not allowed to join the LoN (until 1926)
-Kaiser, and other Germans, were put on trial for their war crimes.
German Response: How did Germany react to the ToV?
There were 5 main reasons that Germany objected to ToV.
-The displacement of Germans directly undermined Wilson’s principles of self-determination.
-War Guilt Clause was deemed an unjust national humiliation
-Reparations were too high and would “cripple” Germany
-Allied occupation of Western Germany and French control created heavy tension. In areas like Alsace-Lorraine German patriotic songs & festivals were banned.
-Disarmament & exclusion from LoN was deemed as unjust discrimination.
German Response: Was their reaction justified?
Some of Germany expectations had been arguably unrealistic.
-Wilson’s 14 points and armistice made it clear that Alsace-Lorraine would be returned.
-Clemenceau had wanted the treaty to be more severe & wanted to ensure they could never be a threat again (extending French border to Rhine etc)
-ToV was far less severe than the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918) that Germany had given USSR
-Germany had planned to give allies reparations to the same extent.
Political Impact: How did Scheidemann react to the terms?
-Led to political fracture, as Scheidemann wanted to reject the treaty, but the majority of his cabinet and party thought they had no other choice but to sign.
-Scheidemann than resigned on 20th June & a new government was formed with Gustav Bauer as Chancellor.
-Bauer gave in and signed the treaty on 28th June 1919.
Political Impact: What was the reaction of the pro-republican parties?
-SPD & allies in government asked their largest competition (DDP, DVP, & DNVP) to state that those who had voted for the treaty were not unpatriotic.
-They felt that the most sensible option was to outwardly fulfil the terms of the treaty, whilst negotiating modifications to it. This was known as the policy of fulfilment.
-ToV alienated some against the republic, particularly moderates who had previously been in favour of republic.
-Many felt that the gains of revolution were unimpressive.
Political Impact: What was the reaction of the Right?
-Many were strong nationalists, who found it incredibly difficult to accept that Germany had lost the war
-Some felt that the peace settlement was the final straw & they threatened to overthrow the republic.
-Politicians were labelled as the ‘November criminals’, and there was a ‘stab in the back’ myth.
-These ideas allowed for nationalist attacks on the republic to continue, which became increasingly appealing to ex-soldiers.
Political Impact: What was the British reaction? Incl quote!
-DLG returned to London, and was met with rapturous applause.
-On the whole, felt that Germany would be unable to threaten peace for a generation.
-DLG felt that Germany should remain strong enough to act as a blockade against communism and wanted them as strong allies.
-Many felt that the French were vindictive & unfair.
-“One of the most serious acts of political unwisdom for which our statesman have ever been responsible” John Maynard Keynes.
Political Impact: What was the French reaction?
-They felt that they had suffered the most over WW1 and wanted revenge.
-Alsace-Lorraine, demilitarisation, and reparations were key French aims.
-Many felt the ToV hadn’t been harsh enough, and Clemenceau blamed it for his defeat in the 1920 election.
-Marshal Foch, “This is not peace. It is an armistice for 20 years”
