Question 1

What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Accepted Answer

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in June 1919, imposed several key terms on Germany. These included the War Guilt Clause (Article 231), which forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the war; reparations of £6.6 billion; territorial losses such as Alsace-Lorraine to France and the Polish Corridor to Poland; military restrictions limiting the army to 100,000 men, banning tanks, aircraft, and submarines; and the creation of the League of Nations. Germany also had to demilitarise the Rhineland.

Question 2

Why did the League of Nations fail to keep peace?

Accepted Answer

The League of Nations failed primarily due to structural weaknesses and lack of major powers. The USA never joined, weakening its authority. The League had no army, so it relied on economic sanctions or moral persuasion, which were ineffective against aggressive nations like Japan and Italy. Unanimous voting in the Council made decision-making slow and difficult. Additionally, the League's failure to act decisively in crises like the Manchurian Invasion (1931) and the Abyssinian Crisis (1935) destroyed its credibility.

Question 3

What were the aims of the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?

Accepted Answer

The Big Three had different aims. Woodrow Wilson (USA) wanted a 'peace without victory' based on his 14 Points, including self-determination, disarmament, and a League of Nations. Georges Clemenceau (France) sought security and revenge, demanding harsh reparations and a weakened Germany to prevent future invasion. David Lloyd George (Britain) took a middle ground: he wanted to punish Germany but not too harshly, as he feared German resentment and wanted to preserve trade. These conflicting aims led to compromises.

Question 4

How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany economically?

Accepted Answer

The Treaty of Versailles devastated Germany's economy. The reparations of £6.6 billion (later reduced) caused hyperinflation in 1923, as Germany printed money to pay. The loss of industrial areas like the Saar and Upper Silesia reduced coal and steel production. Germany also lost its overseas colonies, which had been sources of raw materials. The economic hardship fuelled political extremism, as many Germans blamed the Weimar Republic for accepting the treaty.

Question 5

What was the 'stab-in-the-back' myth?

Accepted Answer

The 'stab-in-the-back' myth (Dolchstoßlegende) was a belief popular among German nationalists after WWI that the German army was not defeated on the battlefield but was betrayed by civilians, socialists, and Jews at home. This myth was used to reject the Treaty of Versailles and blame the Weimar Republic for signing it. It undermined the legitimacy of the new democratic government and contributed to the rise of extremist groups like the Nazis.

Question 6

Was the Treaty of Versailles fair?

Accepted Answer

Historians debate the fairness of the Treaty of Versailles. Critics argue it was too harsh, imposing crippling reparations and the war guilt clause, which humiliated Germany and caused economic instability. Others say it was not harsh enough, as Germany was left intact and able to rebuild. The treaty also violated Wilson's principle of self-determination, for example by banning Anschluss (union) with Austria and placing Germans under foreign rule. Ultimately, the treaty's failure to create a lasting peace suggests it was flawed.

Peacemaking

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