Unit 2 Notes SS6H7 The student will explain conflict and change in Europe to the 21 st century a. Describe major developments following World War I: the Russian Revolution, the Treaty of Versailles, worldwide depression, and the rise of Nazism The Treaty of Versailles

Discuss the question with your group: What was World War I?

In November 1918 Germany surrenders to the Allied countries. The most powerful ones, being France, USA and Britain, wanted to create a treaty that punished Germany for starting WWI. BUT WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?

Allied countries could not agree on what the treaty should include, but... They could agree on where it should take place: A French palace in a city called Versailles (near Paris, France) In 1919, leaders from countries involved in the war met here to write a treaty Treaty outlined the terms of the winners and what they expected of the losing country

FRANCE USA BRITAIN “SIGN THE TREATY OR WE WILL INVADE YOU……ITS YOUR CHOICE!” The treaty was dictated to Germany-- they did not have a say in it.

WAR GUILT Germany had to accept the blame for starting the war Disarm Germany’s Military The Army was cut to just 100,000 men, the Navy could only have 6 battleships, and they were not allowed to build any new planes, tanks, or submarines. GERMAN LAND GIVEN AWAY Germany had to give up its colonies and a bunch of land PAY REPARATIONS Germany had to pay $33 billion dollars. What did the Treaty of Versailles do?

Not only did Germany lose about 10% of its land, it also consequently lost 10% of its population. German people were now living in foreign countries. Land taken away from Germany under the treaty of Versailles

“Today in the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles the disgraceful Treaty is being signed. Do not forget it. The German people will press forward to reconquer the place among nations to which we deserve. Then will come revenge for the shame of 1919.” Excerpt from a German newspaper on the day the treaty was signed...

Germany was a proud country due to its military strength and strong traditions of dominance within that area of Europe. However, the treaty of Versailles created different feelings:

The war had left Germany almost bankrupt. As its people starved and the country lay in chaos, the Allies gave them a bill (Treaty of Versailles) that they simply could not afford to pay... German money was only good for starting fires…

The Treaty of Versailles caused Germany to go through a depression a time when businesses and people lost a lot of money

People who could not find jobs joined the Communist and National Socialist parties. The National Socialist Party’s leader, Adolf Hitler, was gaining more and more power

They were also mad because the treaty said that Germany alone caused WWI. Many Germans wanted revenge

As more and more Germans became poor and angry, more and more began joining the National Socialist Party. Before long, the party is very large and it’s leader, Adolph Hitler becomes very powerful. They also change the name of the party to the Nazi Party

The Debt is Paid In September 2010, Germany made the last reparation payment owed as a result of the Treaty of Versailles Listen to the National Public Radio story that reported the event

Your Task 1. List four restrictions that the Treaty of Versailles put on Germany 2. How did Germans feel about this treaty? 3. Using the Y-chart, select one of the major participants in WWI (Great Britain, Germany, the United States, Italy, or Russia) and organize your arguments about how the terms of the treaty should benefit your country

Credits Modified from a presentation originally retrieved from storyId= Georgia Experience, Carole Marsh/Gallopade International,