THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES

21/10/13

Learning outcomes
List the winners and losers of WW1 (and their side Allies or central powers) Explain the reason for and conclusions of the Paris peace conference List the countries and their leaders who took part in the Paris peace conference Say what each country wanted from the conference and why they wanted this

The Mood in 1919

Most countries felt Germany should pay for the damage and destruction caused by the War. The countries of Europe were exhausted. Their economies and industries were in a poor state. Millions had died. Almost every family had lost a member in the fighting. Ordinary citizens faced shortages of food and medicine.

Did the Paris Peace Conference make a sensible settlement?

On 28 June 1919, exactly 5 years after the murders at Sarajevo, which had sparked off the First World War, the most powerful men in the world met in a magnificent palace just outside Paris. The agreement they signed became known as the Treaty of Versailles.

Palace of Versailles

The Aims of the Leaders

There was disagreement about what the conference was aiming to do. Some felt the aim was to punish Germany. Some wanted to cripple Germany so it couldnt start another war. Some felt the winning countries should be rewarded. Some aimed for a just and lasting peace.

The Four Major Leaders

The Big Four

Woodrow Wilson
President of the USA. Wilson was an idealist and reformer, who wanted to build a better and more peaceful world. He didnt want the Treaty to be too harsh as he believed this would lead to revenge. He wanted to set up a peace keeping body The League of Nations Wilson did not understand the deep feelings of hatred in Europe.

David Lloyd George

The prime minister of Great Britain. He was a realist. An experienced politician who realised there must be compromise. The people of Britain wanted revenge. He knew this would lead to war but he represented the people.

George Clemenceau
President of France. Clemenceau had seen France invaded by Germany in 1870 and 1914, he wanted to make sure this would never happen again. France had suffered greatly during the War they wanted compensation and revenge. Uncompromising.

Vittorio Orlando
Italian Prime Minister. Wanted land and territory for Italy. Self determination stopped Italy getting the lands especially Fiume. Walked out of the meeting when he didnt get his way in April 1919. Returned to sign the Treaty in May.

Have we fulfilled our learning outcomes?

List the winners and losers of WW1 (and their side Allies or central powers) Explain the reason for and conclusions of the Paris peace conference List the countries and their leaders who took part in the Paris peace conference Say what each country wanted from the conference and why they wanted this

Learning outcomes Students should be able to:

List and understand the terms of the treaty Comprehend the consequences of the treaty and WW1 in general Define and explain the league of nations and its pros and cons

Can you work out the message behind this cartoon? How useful are cartoons in understanding the reaction of ordinary Germans to the Treaty of Versailles?

The main points of the Treaty [BRAT]

The first 26 Articles of the Treaty set out the Covenant of the League of Nations; The rest of the 440 Articles detailed Germany's punishment: 1. Germany had to accept the Blame for starting the war (Clause 231). This was vital because it provided the justification for... 2. Germany had to pay 6,600 million (called Reparations) for the damage done during the war.

 3. Germany was forbidden to have submarines or an air force. She could have a navy of only six battleships, and an Army of just 100,000 men. In addition, Germany was not allowed to place any troops in the Rhineland, the strip of land, 50 miles wide, next to France. 4. Germany lost Territory (land) in Europe (see map, below). Germanys colonies were given to Britain and France. (Also, Germany was forbidden to join the League of Nations, or unite with Austria.)

The results of WW1

Resentment Unemployment and poverty New countries Rise of the USA The League of nations The rise of communism

The League of Nations

Encourage co-operation AIMS

Stop aggression

Disarmament

Improve social conditions

Membership
42 members - by 1930s 59 Defeated countries could not join e.g. Germany Russia excluded because communist USA did not join - isolation from world affairs A club for the victorious?

Structure
The Council
The Assembly
Each country one vote
Met several times a year and in emergencies 5 permanent members Each had right to veto any idea

Permanent court of International Justice The Secretariat Based at The Hague Settle disputes peacefully Kept records - civil service No power of enforcement

Powers of the League

If a country ignored the ruling of the League it could: Put pressure on Refuse to trade - sanctions Send in troops - member countries join together

Strengths of the League

Many countries supported it in early days they wanted peace Had some early successes: Settled some land disputes in 1920s helped refugees, dealt with spread of disease, fought for better conditions for people

Weaknesses of League
USA didnt join No real power - relied on goodwill and persuasion No permanent army Disarmament not realistic Structure a disaster - everyone had to agree before any action taken

 What do you think this ominous picture is trying to say?

Learning outcomes Can we?

List and understand the terms of the treaty Comprehend the consequences of the treaty and WW1 in general Define and explain the league of nations and its pros and cons