Treaty of Versailles Flashcards
What was the emotional or psychological impact of the Treaty of Versailles on German people after World War One?
To the Germans, it felt like a stain on their honor, humiliated and enraged by the harsh rules and terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
What is the Deutsche Zeitung’s views on the War Guilt Clause?
Deutsche Zeitung, (meaning German News) was very biased as a news source, saying that the “disgraceful” Treaty of Versailles was being signed, and that Germans would regain what they had lost and were “entitled” to, revenge for what happened in late June of 1919 (signing of the Treaty of Versailles).
Which specific groups of Germans would have been hardest hit by the Treaty?
The military. Germany had pride in having the so-called “best weapons” and army in the world, though all of that was crushed when the army was reduced to 100,000 soldiers.
Working-class citizens had to pay taxes through the roof because of the money demanded by the treaty in reparation fees, a hefty 32 billion dollars. People who were displaced from one country to another.
Identify and explain three articles of the Treaty of Versailles that you could argue would force Germany back to war.
War Guilt Clause - This one obviously hits very close to home for Germany, since if they accept all guilt and fault for the war, it means they have to accept all responsibility and pay reparations to their enemy countries.
Military Limitations - German military limited to 100,000, not enough to defend themselves against European rivals.
Reparations - Germany expected to pay 32 billion for damages caused by war; meaning Germany caused all the damage.
