Was the Treaty of Versailles fair Flashcards
(14 cards)
What was the War Guilt Clause in the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany had to accept that they were the sole reason and blame for the war.
What reparations did Germany have to pay according to the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany had to pay 132 billion gold marks in reparations to the Allies for the damage caused by the war.
France received coal from Saarland for fifteen years.
What were the territorial losses for Germany under the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany lost 10% of its land in Europe, 12.5% of its population, and 16% of its coalfields and half of its iron and steel industry.
What restrictions were placed on Germany’s armed forces by the Treaty of Versailles?
The army was restricted to 100,000 men, conscription was banned, and Germany was prohibited from having armoured vehicles, submarines, or aircraft.
What was the status of the Rhineland according to the Treaty of Versailles?
The Rhineland was to be demilitarized, meaning no German troops were allowed in the area.
What was the purpose of the League of Nations as established by the Treaty of Versailles?
The League of Nations was set up as an international police force.
What was Germany’s reaction to the War Guilt Clause?
Germany did not feel as though they were the sole reason for the cause of WW1 and felt that the blame should be shared.
How did Germany react to the reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany opposed the idea of paying for all the damage caused by the war, especially given their weakened economy.
What was Germany’s sentiment regarding the loss of territories?
The loss of territories was a blow to German pride and economy, as Saar and Upper Silesia were important industrial areas.
What did Germany think about the disarmament terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
Germany thought the disarmament terms were unfair, as they left them with a small army for a country of their size.
What was Germany’s reaction to the Fourteen Points and the League of Nations?
Germans were angry that their government was not represented at the peace talks and felt insulted to be excluded from the League of Nations.
What arguments were made that the Treaty of Versailles was fair?
Arguments included that Germany was largely responsible for starting WWI, the reparations were necessary for rebuilding, and military restrictions aimed to prevent future aggression.
What arguments were made that the Treaty of Versailles was unfair?
Arguments included that the reparations crippled the German economy, the principle of self-determination was inconsistently applied, and the treaty was imposed without German negotiation.
What is the conclusion regarding the Treaty of Versailles?
The treaty aimed to restore and rebuild war-torn countries but its harsh penalties and economic consequences made it a flawed peace agreement.
