The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles

After the War • With Germany facing the blame for the war, the main victors quickly gathered to determine the fate of Germany. • Here, Wilson introduced his ideas of self- determination, reparations, The Fourteen Points, and the League of Nations. • The idea of a treaty was born.

The Treaty of Versailles • The Treaty was a peace settlement that was signed after the end of the first World War. The war ended on November 11th, 1918. Armistice Day. The Treaty was signed by the Allies in the Palace of Versailles on June 28, 1919, exactly 5 years after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Germany and Russia were not allowed representatives.

What is it? • The Treaty acted as a document full of stipulations forcing Germany to take full responsibility for the war. It forced Germany to give up territories and make reparations after the war. The Treaty of Versailles began its organization at the Paris Peace Conference in January of 1919. After the course of difficult debates, the Big Four finally agreed on the finalized Treaty and would sow the seeds for future problems.

The Big Four • The Big Four consisted of representatives of each of the countries contributing the most in the defeat of the Central Powers: • David Lloyd George (Britain) • George Clemenceau (France) • Woodrow Wilson (U.S.) • Vittorio Orlando (Italy)

BRITAIN and David Lloyd George • Since many families in Britain suffered losses of family or friends over the duration of the war, Britain was eager for revenge. The Prime Minister spoke for the people of his country, however, in private, George was worried about treating Germany with too harshly.

FRANCE and Georges Clemenceau • Clemenceau, was nicknamed “The Tiger” and was very aggressive. He was adamant about how the Treaty should be written and wanted Germany to pay for all of the damages that France had suffered throughout the years of war. He felt that Germany should be punished so brutally that they could never initiate war again.

AMERICA and Woodrow Wilson • Since the United States didn’t enter into the war until April of 1917, it had not experienced as many casualties or tragedies as others. Wilson had made a plan, called the Fourteen Point Plan, that he guaranteed would bring peace. He believed that Germany should be treated fairly.

ITALY and Vittorio Orlando • In the year of 1915, Italy declared war on Germany. This was after they changed sides from their alliance at the start of the war. Orlando was promised a territory pay off as a reward for changing sides. Italy’s main aim throughout the war was to receive their fair share from the war.

The Financial Terms of the Treaty • The loss of industrial territory cost Germany its economic resources, including coal. • Germany was forced to pay for all damages, or reparations, of the war ~£ 6.6 billion. • Germany was also forbidden to unite with Austria to create a superstate.

The Military Terms of the Treaty • Germany’s army was reduced to 100,000 men to be used for defensive purposes only. • The army was not allowed an air force or tanks any longer. • Only 6 naval ships were permitted, and no submarines. • The demilitarization of western Germany.

The Territorial Terms of the Treaty • Alsace-Lorraine given back to France. • Eupen and Malmedy given to Belgium. • Northern Schleswig given to Denmark. • West Prussia, Posen and Upper Silesia given to Poland. • The surrender of all German overseas colonies to the League of Nations.

Post War Territories • After the Treaty, most of Germany was left divided and devastated. Several new nations were created.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points • No more secret treaties. • Countries must try to downsize their weapons and armies. • National self-determination should let all nations govern equally. • All countries should conform to the League of Nations. • A freedom of the seas in peace and in war.

The League of Nations • Though designed by U. S. President Wilson after the war America wanted no part in the League and refused to join. • Without American support, the League went on to be an international community for peace. • The League had the power to settle disputes between countries and worked to minimize any potential war threats throughout the world.

German Reaction to the Treaty • Unaware of the terms of the Treaty until just weeks before its signing, Germany was angry and embarrassed as the terms became public. Though representatives resisted, they only had two choices: to sign the treaty or be invaded by the Allies. Reluctantly they signed on June 28th, 1919.

The results of the Treaty would be tragic. With no U.S. backing, it lacked military backing. Europe wanted to avoid war. The Germans elected Adolf Hitler to deal with their wrecked economy and national embarrassment. He began to rearm the military and played to the idea of German patriotism and racial superiority. Results

Bibliography • http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/treaty_of_versailles.htm • http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year9links/versailles.shtml • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWversailles.htm

The Treaty of Versailles