TOV Flashcards
(23 cards)
Was the Treaty of Versailles considered fair?
No, it was widely viewed as unfair by many, especially Germans.
What were the main motives of Woodrow Wilson at Versailles?
Wilson wanted peace, recovery for Germany, and the establishment of the League of Nations.
What was Wilson’s 14 Point Plan focused on?
Self-determination, disarmament, and removal of trade tariffs.
Which territory did Wilson want to return to France?
Alsace-Lorraine.
What was Georges Clemenceau’s main aim at Versailles?
To ensure Germany paid for the damage done to France and took full responsibility for the war.
What were Clemenceau’s views on Germany’s military?
He wanted it significantly reduced and a demilitarized zone established.
What were the harsh terms Clemenceau sought for Germany?
- High reparation bill
- Degradation of Germany’s military
- Transfer of colonies to France
- Control of the Saar industrial area
What was Lloyd George’s position regarding Germany?
He wanted Germany punished but also to remain strong enough to trade.
What influenced Lloyd George’s goals at Versailles?
The British public’s demand for severe punishment for Germany.
What were the moderate terms Lloyd George aimed for?
- Strong trading relationship with Germany
- Germany to lose overseas colonies
- Maintain German military strength to counter the USSR
Why did the victors not achieve all their aims at Versailles?
Compromises were necessary due to conflicting aims among countries.
What was the German public’s reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?
They felt it was unjust and referred to it as a diktat.
What is the concept of ‘dolchstoss’ in relation to the Treaty?
The belief that politicians who signed the Treaty stabbed Germany in the back.
What did Article 231 of the Treaty state?
Germany took full blame for WW1.
What military restrictions were imposed on Germany?
- 100,000 men
- No air force
- 6 battleships
- No submarines or large warships
- Demilitarized Rhineland
What were the reparations imposed on Germany?
Initially 13 billion gold marks, later adjusted to 606 billion gold marks.
What territorial losses did Germany face due to the Treaty?
- Poland became independent
- Saar under League of Nations control
- Demilitarized Rhineland
- Loss of all overseas colonies
- Alsace-Lorraine returned to France
What political impact did the Treaty have on Germany?
Rise of extremist groups and uprisings such as the Spartacist uprising and Kapp Putsch.
What economic impact did the Treaty have on Germany?
Hyperinflation in 1923 due to the government printing money to pay reparations.
What was a significant social impact of the Treaty in Germany?
Increased social unrest and support for extremist parties.
What inspired Hitler’s Munich Putsch?
Mussolini’s march on Rome.
What long-term justification could be made for the Treaty of Versailles?
It was aimed at ensuring peace and preventing future wars.
What was a key argument against the fairness of the Treaty?
Germany was unfairly blamed for the entirety of WW1 under Article 231.
