Treaty of versailles

German reactions to the treaty:

● War guilt and reparations: Germans did not feel they had started the war and they were the
least to blame. They were bitter that Germany was expected to pay for all the damage caused
by the war even though german economy was severely weakened.

● Disarmament: They felt that an army of 100.000 was very small for a big country like Germany
and their army was their pride.

● The 14 points and the league of nations: To most Germans, the treatment towards Germany
was not in keeping with Wilson’s 14 points. They also felt insulted by not being invited to join
the League of Nations.

● Non-representation: Germans were angry that their government was not represented at the
police talks and they were being forced to accept a harsh treaty without a choice or comment.
They did not feel they had lost the war so they should not have been treated as a defeated
country.

● German territories: They lost 10% of land in Europe, all overseas colonies, 126% of population,
16% of coalfields and almost half of its iron and steel industry. This was a blow to German
economy and pride. As Germany was losing its colonies, France and Britain were increasing
their empires by controlling German territories in Africa.

Consequences of the Treaty for Germany:

Political Violence: In 1920 some people who couldn’t bear the treaty attempted a revolution called The
Kapp Putsch. They were defeated by the government but there were still murders. In 1923, Adolf Hitler
led an attempted rebellion called Munich Putsch and was also defeated. However, over the next years
he exploded German resentment. However, over the next years he exploded German resentment of
the treaty of Versailles to gain support.

Conflict in ruhr: When Germany couldn't afford to pay all the reparations to the Allies, France ran out
of patience. In 1923, French and Belgian soldiers entered the Ruhr region and simply took what was
owed to them in the form of raw materials and goods. The results of this occupation were disastrous
for Germany. The German government ordered the people to go on strike so they didn’t produce
anything. The French reacted harshly, killing a lot of people. More importantly, the strike meant that the
Germans had no goods to trade and no money to buy things with. Their response led to hyperinflation.

Hyperinflation: The government solved the problem of not having enough money by simply printing
more. However, this caused a new problem→ hyperinflation.The money was virtually worthless so
prices went high.And thanks to this, a prosperous middle class family would find that their savings,
which would be enough to buy a house in 1921, by 1923 would not even buy a loaf of bread.
How was the Treaty seen at the time?
Fair:
● When Russia surrendered to Germany, Germany signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk with them
in 1918. In this treaty they were much harsher on Russian than the Treaty of Versailles was
with them.
● Germany had economic problems, but they were self-inflicted. They did not save money when
they went to war and were now broke and in-debt.
● Germany was the second-biggest steel exporter in the world. This meant they produced and
won a lot of money. So, they did have enough money to pay for reparations to the Allies, but
instead didn’t want to.

Unfair:
● Clemenceau thought the Treaty was not harsh enough on Germany. Although Germany did
end up broke, would have them to be destroyed in order for them to not be able to take
revenge in the future.
● Wilson and Lloyd George thought it was too harsh, opposing Clemenceau. Wilson believed
they would end up taking revenge. And Lloyd George was afraid of not being trading partners
with them anymore.
● Germans saw the Treaty as extremely unfair: The army was too small compared to their
country, they weren’t the only ones to blame for starting the war and were bitter that they had
to pay for all the reparations even though the situation of their economy. Also, the Treaty was
not in keeping with Wilson’s 14 points and they were the only country not invited to the League
of Nations. Lastly, they weren’t given a choice about anything.

The other peace settlements:

● Treaty of st germain 1919 (AUSTRIA):
The treaty separated Austria from Hungary and confirmed that Austria was no longer leading power.
TERRITORIES:
- Moravia & Bohemia become a new state of Czechoslovakia.
- Croatia & Bosnia-Herzegovina became a new state of Yugoslavia.
The army was restricted to 30,000 soldiers.

● The Treaty of Neuilly, 1919 (BULGARIA)

Lost land to → parts to Yugoslavia, Greece and Romania
Lost access to → The Mediterranian
Armed forces limited to → 20,000 soldiers
Had to pay→ £ 100 million in reparations

● The Treaty of Trianon, 1920 (HUNGARY)

It was not signed until 1920 but it lost a substantial amount of territory and over 3 million Hungarians. It
was due to pay reparations, but its economy was so wea, due to losing raw materials and industries, it
never did.
 ● The Treaty of Sevres, 1920 (TURKEY)
Turkey lost a lot of territory and its empire was broken up. Parts of Turkey were controlled by the
British, French or Italians. All the money was controlled by the Allies. Its army was limited to 50.000
troops, it’s navy was restricted and they weren't allowed an air force.

● Treaty of Lausanne 1923 (TURKEY)

The Turkish were very angry with the other treaty, so to avoid war, they signed a new one. Smyrna,
Anatolia and parts of Phrase become Turksh lands. Its borders were fixed more or less s they are
today.

Clashes:
● Clemenceau and Wilson:
1) Clemenceu resented Wilsn’s generous attitude to Germany.
2) They disagreed over what to do about Germany’s Rhineland and coalfields in the Saar.

● Clemenceau and Lloyd George:

1) Lloyd George’s desire not to treat Germany too harshly.
2) Clemenceau felt British were happy to treat Germany fairly in Europe.

● Wilson and Lloyd George:

1) Lloyd George was unhappy with the point that allowed all rations to access the seas.
2) Wilson’s view of people ruling themselves threatened the British empire.

Argumental Essay
➔ 1st paragraph: Introduction
- What? Treaty of versailles (what I'm talking about)
- Why? The war
- Who signed it? Germany
- Who made it? League of Nations

➔ 2nd paragraph: For (or against)

One one hand… (It was fair because...)
- Explain each argument
- Do NOT only answer the question
- Use connectors (furthermore, in addition, etc)
- At least 3 reasons

➔ 3rd paragraph: Against (or for)

On the other hand… (It was unfair because…)
- Same as 2nd paragraph
- It has to agree with the conclusion

➔ 4th paragraph: Conclusion

On balance, I believe… (not personal opinion)
- Based on the two sides of the topic.
- Choose the side you are on.