Chapter 1 • Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?

Chapter 1 exam and exam-style

questions
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470/01
Paper 1 Q5 a, b & c June 2008
We are told that we should acknowledge that we alone are guilty of having
caused the war. I would be a liar if I agreed to this. We are not trying to avoid
all responsibility for this war. However, we emphatically deny that the German
people should be seen as the only guilty party. Over fifty years the imperialism of
all European states has poisoned the international situation.
The leader of the German delegation
at Versailles, speaking in 1919.
a) What military restrictions did the Treaty of Versailles
impose on Germany? (4)
b) Why did the “Big Three” disagree on how to treat Germany? (6)
c) How far could the Treaty be justified at the time?
Explain your answer. (10)

Questions in the style of Cambridge

IGCSE History
What could question a) ask?
What did the Versailles Treaty say about reparations? (4)
What was Article 231 or the “War Guilt Clause”? (4)
In what ways did the Treaty of Versailles make it more difficult for
Germany to defend itself? (4)
Describe how Lloyd George’s approach to Germany changed between
November 1918 and January 1919. (4)

What could question b) ask?

Why did Lloyd George attempt to change the position of
the French towards Germany at the Paris Peace Conference? (6)
Why was the Rhineland area such an important subject for
discussion at the Paris Peace Conference? (6)
Why were the French so dissatisfied with the Treaty of Versailles? (6)
Why was the Treaty of Versailles so unpopular in Germany? (6)

What could question c) ask?

How far was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for
the German crisis of 1923? (10)
How far did the peace settlement of 1919–23 reflect
Wilson’s Fourteen Points? (10)
“The Treaty of Versailles imposed an unjust and vindictive
peace on Germany.” How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (10)
“The Treaty of Versailles was a compromise peace that
pleased no one.” How far do you agree with this statement?
Explain your answer. (10)

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