Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?

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What were the motives and aims of the Big Three at Versailles?
FR: Wanted to cripple Germany + return all territories + high reparations to France

UK: Wanted to re-establish Germany as a trading partner + lose navy and colonies

US: Wanted to strengthen democracy + nations to co-operate to achieve world peace
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Why did all the victors not get everything they wanted?
- Disagreements between each member of Big Three
- Different countries wanted different things, would be impossible to please
- Treaty was too harsh for UK and US, but did get them the reparations they wanted
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What was the impact of the peace treaty on Germany up to 1923?
- Media storm of outrage in Germany
- Riots and violence, revolutions from angered workers
- Harsh conditions led to rise in support of Nazis
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Could the treaties be justified at the time?
Yes - Made sure victors were able to keep peace + defeated country would accept responsibility

No - Many were left dissatisfied + every country who took part needed to recover economically and physically
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What was the state of Germany after WWI economically?
Food shortages + fuel was short = people died from starvation
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What was the state of Germany after WWI socially?
German workers were bitter and angry + waves of unrest + poverty gap
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What was the state of Germany after WWI politically?
Fights between left and right wingers + hated new democratic leaders
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What are some of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
- No secret treaties
- All countries are working towards disarmament
- All countries have their colonies returned
- Free access to seas in peacetime or wartime
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What was Wilson’s position?
Sided with Treaty, believed peace could be achieved (pacifist)
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What was Lloyd George’s position?
Wasn’t satisfied with the Treaty but didn’t want Germany punished, knew there would have to be compromise (neutral)
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What was Clemenceau’s position?
Believed Treaty should have been harsher, wanted Germany to suffer further (aggressive)
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What was the German people’s general reactions to the terms?
Angered, frustrated over unfair terms
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Details On Previous Question
- Bitter about reparations, felt that blame should be shared
- Army was a symbol of German pride, reduction was humiliating
- Loss of territory as Allies increased empires
- Angry at the lack of representatives and the Treaty’s forced nature
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Why did all the victors not get everything they wanted?

Back

- Disagreements between each member of Big Three
- Different countries wanted different things, would be impossible to please
- Treaty was too harsh for UK and US, but did get them the reparations they wanted

Card 3

Front

What was the impact of the peace treaty on Germany up to 1923?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Could the treaties be justified at the time?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was the state of Germany after WWI economically?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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