REVIEW What are the MAIN causes of WWI? Which single event started the war? Who are the Central Powers? Allies? What was Germany’s uber plan for swift victory? Why does the US get involved? When does the war end? (specific date!)

Versailles

Treaty of Versailles – What really happened? Russia was not invited Germany sent representatives, but no say Most decisions made by the “Big Four” US, Britain, France and Italy*

Goals of each country Britain – high reparations, destroy German navy, take colonies from the Central Powers France – high reparations, destroy German army, take colonies from the Central Powers Italy – take territory from Austria-Hungary Japan – take German colonies in Asia USA – low reparations, independence for all colonies, a strong League of Nations

The Treaty Reparations – Germany had to pay $33 billion ($442 in today’s money!) Also had to sign the “War Guilt Clause” accepting blame for the war Army limited to 100,000 men.

The Treaty, cont. German colonies were turned into “mandates” ruled by the Allies Mandates were supposed to be temporary, preparing colonies for independence. In reality it was just more imperialism! Japan only got ½ of the colonies it wanted.

The Treaty, cont. Austria-Hungary was divided into several small independent countries. Italy did not get the territory it wanted.

The Treaty, cont. A League of Nations was created, but it was too weak to prevent wars. Members were not required to contribute peacekeeping troops, so none did.

Results of the Treaty Germans were very angry at the Allies German economy ruined by reparations German govt. printed money to pay its bills – led to hyperinflation The US had to bail out Germany in 1925 to prevent economic collapse! Things got so bad that Germans were willing to support anyone who promised solutions… Hitler!

German Hyperinflation

Results, cont. Italians felt betrayed by the Allies. They voted out their leader and supported a new dictator, Benito Mussolini… Japan felt somewhat betrayed that ½ their colonies were given to Australia. Began planning to take them back… Germany, Italy and Japan joined forced in World War II and became the Axis

Results, cont. The US became isolationist US never signed the treaty, never joined the League of Nations The League was unable to stop German, Italian and Japanese aggression in the 1930s (that led to WWII)

Results, cont. The map of Europe changed – many new countries created

Lost German territory

Results, cont. Public image of war was changed Before WWI, people thought of war as exciting, heroic, a fun adventure After WWI, people thought of war as brutal, pointless, a waste The “Lost Generation” – a literary movement that emphasized the horrors of war