The Treaty of Versailles

• • • Clemenceau, Wilson and Lloyd George met to determine the terms of Germany’s surrender of WWI, Germany was not allowed to give their thoughts Many different opinions meant that the leaders had to be willing to make compromises They agreed that Germany should be punished but also that the Treaty should ensure future world peace

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The Treaty of Versailles

The Big 3 decided on TRAWL – Territory – Reparations – Armaments – War Guilt – League of Nations

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The Treaty of Versailles

Territory – Goal: Reduce Germany’s power by taking away land – German’s land and colonies given to Poland, Denmark, France and Belgium – Rhineland, Saar and Alsace-Loraine given to France resource and industry rich areas

The Treaty of Versailles

• Reparations – Goal: Make Germany pay economically for WWI – Germany had to pay to rebuild damaged land and buildings to France and Belgium – Germany was unable to pay, pushed their country into a deep depression – Germany tried to print more money to help its economy…hyperinflation. Hurt economy even more

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The Treaty of Versailles

Armament – Goal: Reduce Germany’s military to prevent them from starting another war – Limit of 100,000 German soldiers – No Air Force, limited Navy – Rhineland (border with France) demilitarized to ensure the safety of France

The Treaty of Versailles

• War Guilt – Goal: Make sure the world knows that Germany is responsible for WWI – Germany was forced to take blame for causing WWI – This part of the Treaty humiliated the Germans and caused resentment towards Britain, France and the U.S.

– “War Guilt Clause” justified the punishments to Germany in the treaty

The Treaty of Versailles

• League of Nations – Goal: Prevent another World War through diplomacy – Plan set up by Woodrow Wilson – Group of nations set up to discuss world events and work for world peace – Germany was not allowed to join the League