Impact of Versailles Treaty Flashcards
How many essential resources did Germany lose under the Treaty of Versailles?
Iron Ore - 48%
Coal - 26%
Arable Land - 15%
When was the final figure for reparations decided on and how much was it?
1921, £6.6 Billion
Why was the treaty unpopular?
Until 1914, Germany was one of the most formidable military powers of Europe. Now they were faced with defeat, the abdication of their Kaiser and and were forced to fulfil what they considered a humiliating defeat.
What was the reaction of the Pro - Republican Parties to the signing of the treaty?
They asked their right wing opposition of the DNVP, DVP and DDP to not say it was unpatriotic to vote to sign the treaty. They also decided to adopt the policy of fulfilment.
The treaty alienated moderates who were happy to accept the constitution for a better Germany.
What “political crisis” did the treaty evoke.
Scheidemann and a few of his ministers wanted to reject the treaty, but most other members of the Reichstag believed it was their only choice. As such he resigned, and Gustav Bauer assumed power in a new coalition cabinet.
What was the right wing reaction to the signing of the treaty.
Their nationalistic pride and imperialism was badly damaged. They resented the new government, who had wrongfully ejected the Kaiser from power (despite Ludendorff recommending so to the Kaiser). They weren’t aware of the situation on the front and believed with passion the stabbed in the back myth.
How did soldiers feel about the treaty?
Some working class soldiers who were supporters of the SPD didn’t oppose the treaty. Some gravitated to communism, but most were struggling to adjust to civilian life, ending up in right-wing nationalist groups and the Freikorps.
