Treaty of Versailles

Background Information Treaty that ended World War I End result of the Paris Peace Conference Dominated by France, Great Britain, Italy, and United States Targeted Germany mostly

Leaders of the “Big Four” (from left to right): Great Britain’s David Lloyd George, Italy’s Vittorio Orlando, France’s Georges Clemenceau, and America’s Woodrow Wilson

Reparation “The making of amends for wrong or injury done; compensation in money, material, labor, etc., payable by a defeated country to another country or to an individual for loss suffered during or as a result of war.” (Dictionary.com)

Group Work You’re going to look up information about the four key parts of the Treaty in regards to Germany Group 1: war guilt clause Group 2: damages/reparations (search hint: “german reparations treaty of Versailles”, “treaty of Versailles reparations”) Group 3: territories lost (search hint: “german territories lost after world war I”) Group 4: military (search hint: “german disarmament after world war I”)

What to look for You’re going to be teaching your classmates Figure out what the treaty said about your topic. (What was supposed to happen? Who was affected?) Look up any words you don’t know. Figure out, with your group, how to explain it to your classmates. (Use terms that you and other can understand. Make sure that you explain EVERYTHING that is important about your topic.) On a sheet of paper (one per group) write down what you find.

War Guilt Clause "The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies.“ (Article 231) Even though Germany didn’t start the war, they would have to take all blame associated with the war Impacts the rest of the treaty Made many Germans angry

Damages Germany would have to pay back the Allied forces for damage done during the war. Allies decided that Germany should only have to pay for civilian damage during the war. They would have to pay 132 billion gold Marks ($33 billion). Germany didn’t finish paying this off until 2010. Caused hyperinflation and destruction of the German economy.

Territories lost to… France Poland Belgium Denmark Czechoslovakia Alsace and Lorraine region Highly industrialized area Poland West Prussia, Posen, Upper Silesia Belgium Small areas of Eupen, Malmèdy, Moresńet, St. Vith Denmark Northern Schleswig Czechoslovakia Border area near Troppau

Germany after the war Germany before the war

Military Greatly reduced the number of weapons, machines, and soldiers that Germany could possess 6 battleships 6 light cruisers 12 destroyers 12 torpedo boats Navy could not have more than 1500 officers Forbidden to use tanks, military aircraft or heavy artillery The Army was to be a volunteer army no larger then 100, 000 Greatly weakened Germany

German response They were livid. Couldn’t do or say anything because of position after the war. Inspired various Germans to act (including Adolf Hitler). Ruined German economy

Exchange rates 1919 1922 November 1, 1923 November 16, 1923 4.2 German Marks for every 1 US dollar 1922 400 German Marks for every 1 US dollar November 1, 1923 1.3 billion German Marks for every 1 US dollar November 16, 1923 4.2 trillion German Marks for every 1 US dollar