League of Nations Flashcards
(49 cards)
When did Germany sign the armistice ending WWI?
November 11, 1918.
What was President Wilson’s 14-Point Plan?
A proposal for a fair peace based on internationalism, democracy, and no harsh punishment for Germany.
What was the mood in Germany after the armistice negotiations became public?
Uprisings and mutiny (e.g., Kiel mutiny), leading to the Kaiser’s abdication.
When and where did the Paris Peace Conference open?
January 1919, Paris.
How many nations attended the Paris Peace Conference?
27 nations plus four British Dominions and India.
Who were the “Big Four” leaders at the Paris Peace Conference?
Wilson (USA), Clemenceau (France), Lloyd George (Britain), Orlando (Italy).
What were France’s main aims at the conference?
Punish Germany, secure reparations, prevent future German aggression, and create buffer states like Poland and Czechoslovakia.
What were Britain’s main aims?
Territorial expansion in the Middle East, maintain a balance of power in Europe, avoid over-weakening Germany, and support reparations.
What did Italy want at the conference?
Territories promised in the Treaty of London (1915), especially the port of Fiume.
What did Japan want at the conference?
Recognition as a major power, territorial gains in China, a racial equality clause in the League of Nations.
What was the Council of Four?
A smaller decision-making group of Britain, France, USA, and Italy formed to speed up peace negotiations.
What was the Treaty of Versailles and when was it signed?
The main peace treaty ending WWI, signed June 28, 1919.
What does “diktat” mean regarding the Treaty of Versailles?
A one-sided, imposed agreement without Germany’s consent.
How much territory and population did Germany lose under the Treaty?
About 13% of territory and 10% of population.
Name key territorial losses for Germany in the Treaty of Versailles.
Alsace-Lorraine to France; Saarland under League control; Eupen-Malmédy to Belgium; Polish Corridor to Poland.
What happened to Germany’s overseas colonies?
Taken by Allies as League of Nations mandates, mainly given to Britain, France, Japan, Belgium, and others.
What military restrictions did the Treaty impose on Germany?
Army limited to 100,000 men, no conscription, no tanks or air force, navy limited to 6 battleships, Rhineland demilitarized.
What was the War Guilt Clause (Article 231)?
Germany accepted sole responsibility for starting WWI and had to pay reparations.
What was the Saarland’s status post-Treaty?
Administered by the League of Nations until 1935, with coal mines given to France.
What challenges did peacemakers face during the conference?
Chaos in Europe, starvation in Germany, Spanish Flu, communist uprisings, conflicting national interests.
What internal US political issues affected the peace settlement?
Wilson’s Democrats lost Congress in 1918; Republicans favored harsher peace and isolationism, limiting Wilson’s influence.
Why did Italy’s Orlando temporarily boycott the Council of Four?
Over Italy not receiving promised territories like Fiume and Dalmatia.
How did the Treaty of Versailles impact Germany politically and economically?
Created resentment and economic hardship, seen as humiliating diktat, fueling further conflicts.
What was the size of the German army limited to under the Treaty of Versailles?
100,000 soldiers with no conscription allowed.
