KQ1: Were The Peace Treaties Of 1919-1923 Fair? Flashcards
(54 cards)
Who attended the Paris Peace Conference 1919-1920?
32 nations were represented.
The main decisions were taken by the Big Three: Woodrow Wilson, Clemenceau, and Lloyd George. Representatives of defeated countries were not invited.
What were the main representatives at the Paris Peace Conference known as?
The Big Three
The Big Three consisted of Woodrow Wilson, Georges Clemenceau, and Lloyd George.
What was the public mood like in 1919?
Bitterness and hatred remained after the war.
The British and French people felt Germany was responsible for the war and should be punished.
What pressure did the Big Three face from their countries?
Pressure to deal severely with Germany.
This pressure was particularly strong in Britain and France due to significant losses during the war.
What slogans did Lloyd George use during the 1918 General Election?
‘Hang the Kaiser’ and ‘Make Germany Pay’.
These slogans reflected public sentiment regarding Germany’s role in the war.
How many men did Britain lose during the war?
750,000 men.
Britain borrowed £9 billion during the war, intensifying the desire for reparations from Germany.
What were Georges Clemenceau’s aims at the Paris Peace Conference?
Cripple Germany to prevent future attacks on France.
He sought compensation for damage suffered to land, industry, and people.
How did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk impact the treatment of Germany?
Increased demands for harsh treatment of Germany.
The harshness of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918 influenced public opinion and the Big Three’s decisions.
What was a notable characteristic of Georges Clemenceau as a politician?
A tough, uncompromising politician.
Clemenceau’s approach reflected his determination to secure France’s interests post-war.
What did the French people expect from the Paris Peace Conference?
Severe punishment for Germany.
France had lost ½ million men and suffered devastation in North East France.
Fill in the blank: The main decisions at the Paris Peace Conference were taken by the _______.
Big Three
True or False: Representatives of defeated countries were invited to the Paris Peace Conference.
False
Only the victorious nations were represented at the conference.
What was Woodrow Wilson’s vision for the outcome of the Great War?
Make the Great War ‘the war to end all wars’; punish Germany, but not too harshly; strengthen democracy in defeated nations; League of Nations; self-determination; The Fourteen Points
Wilson aimed to create a lasting peace and prevent future conflicts through cooperation and democratic governance.
What was David Lloyd George’s position regarding Germany after the Great War?
Punish Germany, but not as harshly as France; confiscate German colonies and navy; a realist who knew there would have to be compromise
Lloyd George sought a balance to maintain stability while ensuring Britain’s interests.
Why were there disagreements among the Big Three leaders?
Wilson had to agree to French plans; Clemenceau criticized Britain for leniency; Lloyd George was uneasy about self-determination; none were entirely satisfied
The differing national interests and experiences of the war influenced their negotiations.
What was the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany accepts blame for starting the war
This clause was particularly resented in Germany as it justified reparations.
What were the main reparations imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?
Exact figure fixed at £6.6 billion in 1921, with Germany to continue paying until settled
These reparations were seen as a heavy burden on the already struggling German economy.
Which territories were taken from Germany according to the Treaty of Versailles?
- Alsace-Lorraine to France
- Eupen and Malmédy to Belgium
- Northern Schleswig to Denmark
- Saarland run by League for 15 years
- West Prussia and Posen to Poland
- Upper Silesia to Poland
- Danzig made a free city
These territorial losses were significant for Germany’s economy and national pride.
What were the demilitarization terms for Germany in the Treaty of Versailles?
Army limited to 100,000 men; conscription banned; no armoured vehicles, submarines, aircraft, or heavy artillery; only 6 battleships; Rhineland demilitarized with occupation by allied troops
These restrictions aimed to prevent future military aggression from Germany.
How did Germany react to the Treaty of Versailles?
Lost 10% of its land; 12.5% of its population; 16% of its coalfields; 50% of its iron and steel industry; 100% of its overseas colonies; especially hated the War Guilt Clause and reparations
The harsh terms fueled resentment and economic hardship in Germany.
True or False: The Treaty of Versailles allowed for a union between Germany and Austria.
False
The Treaty explicitly forbade any union between Germany and Austria.
What was the German perception of their treatment after World War I?
Many believed they were treated as the defeated power and thought they had merely agreed to a ceasefire rather than surrendered.
What is the ‘stab in the back’ myth?
The belief that the German army was betrayed by politicians and could have won the war if not for external factors.
What was the nature of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?
Germany was not represented at the talks, and the Treaty was seen as a ‘diktat’.
