The Treaty of Versailles GCSE

Learn some key vocabulary

What issues were dealt with by the Treaty? When the leaders of the Allied countries met to discuss how to treat Germany, they were faced with five key questions. You can remember these using the keyword TRAWL: Territory: What land should be taken from Germany? Reparations: How much compensation money should Germany be forced to pay? Armaments: How far should Germany's armed forces be limited? War guilt: Should Germany be held responsible for the war breaking out? League of Nations: Should Germany be allowed to join this new peacekeeping institution?

Territory – further information

Reparations – further information The Allies were keen that Germany should pay for the cost of the war. France had lost 1½ million men and 750,000 homes in the war. Britain had also been drained, having lost a million men. Both France and Britain were left heavily in debt to the USA as a result of the war. Germany argued that massive reparations would leave the country destitute. This would make Germany vulnerable to revolution or civil war, which could lead to more international instability.

Armaments – further information The Allies felt that Germany’s massive armed forces had created a country that was desperate for war. They were very keen to limit the size of the German army. The Germans argued that this would leave their country defenceless against attack, and that this could make another war more, not less, likely.

War Guilt – further information To justify their demands for territory, reparations and arms restrictions, the Allies felt it would be necessary to blame Germany entirely for the war. The causes of World War I were very complicated. The Germans felt that it was unreasonable that they should take full blame for the war, and warned that it would only create a desire for revenge later on.

League of Nations – further information The US president Woodrow Wilson was very keen to set up an international parliament to prevent more wars breaking out in the future. Wilson proposed a League of Nations to settle international disputes and prevent war. The Allies disagreed about whether Germany should be allowed to join this body or not.

Territory – the terms on paper

Territory – the terms on the ground Germany split by the Polish Corridor Alsace-Lorraine returned to France Germany was also forbidden to unite with Austria or Hungary How did each of these terms affect Germany? Which was the most serious, and why? Saar coalfields now under French rule for 15 years African colonies taken away.

Summary The terms of the Treaty of Versailles can be summarized as: Territory: Land lost to Britain, France, Belgium, Poland and Denmark. Reparations: Germany forced to sign a ‘blank cheque’, later settled at £6,600 million. Armaments: Army reduced to 100,000 men. No air force, 6 warships, no conscription. Rhineland demilitarized – German troops were not allowed there. War guilt: Germany held entirely responsible for the war breaking out. League of Nations: Germany not allowed to join.

Terms of the treaty Damage Germany economically Damage Germany militarily Damage Germany’s pride 70,000 sq km of land was taken away from Germany No overseas colonies Germany’s army was reduced to 100,000 men She was not allowed an air force She was allowed only 6 battleships and no submarines Allied troops to occupy the Rhineland at all times Germany had to accept full responsibility for starting the war. Germany had to pay £6,600 million in reparations

What was the impact on Germany? Look at the areas dealt with in the Treaty of Versailles. Which do you think was the most serious for Germany?

Discussion point What was the main aim of the Treaty of Versailles? (a) punish Germany (b) reward the winners of the war (c) provide a lasting peace? Support your answer by referring to the terms of the Treaty. Was it to: