The Aftermath of World War I Aftermath of WWI The Aftermath of World War I The War to end all wars?????
Treaty of Versailles Element: Explain the major decisions made in the Versailles Treaty; include German reparations and the mandate system that replaced Ottoman control. Vocabulary: mandate system, Treaty of Versailles
Russia Taps Out! March 1917, food and fuel shortages in Russia forced Czar Nicholas to give up power. The Russian people were tired of fighting, and the army refused to fight any longer. (5.5 million casualties)
A Failed Final Push Germany can now fight on one front. March 1918, Germany launched a major offensive on the Allies and by May were 40 miles from Paris.
Central Powers Collapse Allies launched a counterattack against a weakened Germany. 2 million U.S. soldiers aid allied advance at the Second Battle of Marne.
Armistice Austria-Hungary had a revolution and surrendered. Germans turned on the Kaiser and declared a republic. Armistice- agreement to end fighting, signed on 11-11-1918.
Let’s Summarize… This country pulled out of the war due to food shortages and massive casualties. This country reinforced the allies with millions of troops and helped push the Germans back. Explain what an armistice is.
After learning about WWI, would you say that the war was completely Germany’s fault? What is the purpose of a peace treaty? “The day must come when a German government shall summon up the courage to declare to the foreign powers: The Treaty of Versailles is founded on a monstrous lie. We fulfill nothing more. Do what you will! If you want battle, look for it!” -Adolf Hitler
The Big 4 Group of leaders known as the Big Four dominate peace talks: Woodrow Wilson (U.S.) Georges Clemenceau (France) David Lloyd George (Great Britain) Vittorio Orlando (Italy) Germany was not represented.
Wilson’s Fourteen Points speech presented to Congress fourteen solutions to create a lasting peace in Europe end secret alliances and militarism proposed development of the League of Nations
Let’s Summarize… Who was not invited to the peace talks? What was the name of President Wilson’s peace proposal?
The Treaty of Versailles Britain, France oppose Wilson’s ideas; want to punish Germany Allies, Germany sign the, Treaty of Versailles, in June 1919 Wilson’s only contribution was the League of Nations
Germany’s Punishment Germany signed a war guilt clause, that placed 100% of the blame on them Germany had to pay 33 billion dollars in war reparations, and lost much of their territory
Military Restrictions Limits set on the size of the German army Germany prohibited from importing or manufacturing weapons or war material Germany forbidden to build or buy submarines or have an air force Rhineland was established as a demilitarized zone
Territorial Loses Germany returned Alsace-Lorraine to France French border extended to west bank of Rhine River Germany surrendered all of its overseas colonies in Africa and the pacific
Europe Before and After WWI
Development of New Nations Austria-Hungary: Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia recognized as independent nations Russia: Romania and Poland both gained Russian land. Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, formerly Russia, became independent nations
Let’s Summarize… What country did the Treaty of Versailles have the biggest impact on? What is a war guilt clause and who signed it? Describe the ways in which Germany was punished.
Mandate System Description: territories of the Central powers fell under the control of an Allied Power, instead of being granted independence Example: France = Lebanon and Syria Great Britain = Iraq and Palestine (modern-day Israel)
Mandate System Results: seen as a betrayal by many in these Arab nations and served to instill bitterness against the West in many parts of the Middle East Ottoman Empire retained only land in Anatolia
League of Nations Description: proposed by President Wilson in his message known as the “Fourteen Points” fourteenth point was the creation of a League of Nations
League of Nations Purpose: international peace organization to provide a place where countries could peacefully discuss solutions to their differences rather than go to war
League of Nations Issues: enemy and neutral nations initially excluded Germany and Russia excluded the United States did not join the League without any means to enforce its decisions proved powerless to stop the onset of a second world war
Let’s Summarize… Explain what the League of Nations is.
Opening The Door For WWII Treaty of Versailles created feelings of bitterness on both sides German people feel hatred after taking blame for war
Reaction to Treaty America never signs Treaty of Versailles because they didn’t support the League of Nations. “A peace built on quicksand.”
Reaction to Treaty Africans & Asians: Angered at lack of independence Italy & Japan: Disappointment at lack of territory gained
So why agree to the treaty? There were many in Germany who did not want to accept the treaty, but the only alternative was to start fighting again.
Let’s Summarize… Who refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles? Why did America refuse to ratify the treaty? What term describes the concept of money losing its value?