The Defeat Of Germany (175)

Question 1

Discuss the Paris peace conference and the treaty of Versailles

Answer 1

After war, Allied leaders had peace conference in Paris. Did not invite G, or its allies. Allies decided G was to blame for start of war and should be punished. Allies wanted to make sure G could not fight another war. They drew peace treaty, signed at Palace of Versailles.

Question 2

Discuss the treaty of Versailles

Answer 2

Main terms of treaty of Versailles
-G give up land in Europe, and colonies in Africa.
-G had to cut down size of armed forces, could have small army and navy (no tanks, submarines or planes)
-G had to accept blame for start of war.
-G had to pay reparations. Money used to repair damage. Allies fixed huge sum of money that would take G years to pay
-G lost territory, not allowed to unite with other German speaking areas (Austria)
Germans angry about treaty, unfair. Many wanted revenge on allies for forcing G to sign treaty. Treaty did not create lasting peace, instead laid foundations for another world war (20yrs later)

Question 3

Discuss the defeat of Germany

Answer 3

November 1918 - after 4 years of war, Germany surrendered.
Germany lost because:
-1917 USA joined the allies
-British invented tank that broke stalemate of trench warfare
-British navy blocked the German coast, G couldn’t go in or out of ports. Food shortages, soldiers were hungry.
-1918 revolution in G. German kaiser was overthrown. New gov realized G was losing and made peace.