Chapter 2: Establishing Peace - The Versailles Treaty (Notes)

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1  Germany hated the Treaty of Versailles

1. The treaty greatly reduced Germany's military power -  how?

• The Germany Army was limited to 100,000 men.
•  Its weapons were destroyed.
•  Conscription (forced recruitment into the army) was banned.
•  Germany could not have an air force, it's navy was restricted.
•  The Rhineland was demilitarized.

The Germans resent  this reduction in military power because:

• Germany had always been known for its military strength -  it was now humiliated.
• No other countries had been asked to disarm - Germany felt this was unfair.
• Germany was concerned about its future ability to defend itself.

2. The Germans felt that the treaty was unfair - why?

• The German was forced to admit that they had started the war -  they felt this was not the truth as they had only supported Austria- Hungary when Austria-Hungary declared war against  Serbia.
• The loss of German territory went against the principle of self-determination stated in Wilson's 14 points.
• Germany was not represented at the Paris peace conference when the treaty was being discussed -  so they were forced to accept a treaty they had not agreed to.
• Germany felt that they should not be asked to shoulder the war guilt as they had not surrendered, they had voluntarily agreed to a cease-fire ( to stop fighting). 

3. The Germans hated the payment of the war reparations -  why?

• Germany had to pay 6,600 million pound to the other countries for war damages.
• This kept Germany poor for many years because this money could have been used to repair the German economy.
• Many Germans were unemployed, prices of goods increase because of the shortage of goods - Many people suffered and were unhappy -  they blamed the Weimar government.

4. Germany had to give up its territories

• The territories Germany lost included Alsace Lorraine (given to France) and the Polish Corridor and Upper Silesia to Poland.
•  Germany lost all of its overseas colonies.
•  Germany also lost the Saar (an important industrial area rich in coal) to France.
•  Germany was not allowed to unite with Austria.

Germany resented giving up these territories because:

• The millions of Germans living in these territories came under the control of other countries.
• Germany's colonies had been proof of its strength -  so giving them up was further humiliation.
• Giving up the Saar added to the country's economic problems.