3.6.5 National Interests and the World War I Peace Settlements 2
Completion requirements
3.6.5 National Interests and the World War I Peace Settlements 2
Should nations pursue national interest?
Big Ideas:
- National interest, foreign policy, and nationalism affect each other.
- Nationalism and ultranationalism are significant during times of conflict.
The Treaty of Versailles
The peace talks took place between January and June 1919. However, several issues plagued the negotiations, including minimal participation by Germany, and the conflict between France, Great Britain, and the United States. France wanted to cripple
Germany to make it impossible for Germans to go to war again.
While Great Britain also wanted to make Germany pay for their participation in WWI, they also agreed with the United States, who wanted to establish grounds for Germany (and all nations) that would prevent another war.
In the cartoon (left), a judge holding Wilson's Fourteen Points document faces a group of crying babies (representing European nations in World War I). No one looks happy.
The final treaty document, which included fifteen parts and 440 articles, was published in 1919 as the Treaty of Versailles. View selected sections of the Treaty of Versailles below, and add to your 3.6.5 Notebook Organizer.
While Great Britain also wanted to make Germany pay for their participation in WWI, they also agreed with the United States, who wanted to establish grounds for Germany (and all nations) that would prevent another war.
In the cartoon (left), a judge holding Wilson's Fourteen Points document faces a group of crying babies (representing European nations in World War I). No one looks happy.
The final treaty document, which included fifteen parts and 440 articles, was published in 1919 as the Treaty of Versailles. View selected sections of the Treaty of Versailles below, and add to your 3.6.5 Notebook Organizer.
Selected Clauses from the Treaty of Versailles
- Germany was required to accept the blame for starting the war. The War Guilt Clause meant Germany was responsible for all the loss and damage the Allied nations experienced.
- The War Guilt Clause was added so France and Belgium would agree to a reduced sum of money to be paid by Germany for war damages.
- Germans were bitter about this clause. They did not believe they were responsible for the start of World War I.
- Reparations: Germany was to pay for the damage caused by the war. The amount of US$33 billion (almost $400 billion in today’s dollars), was set some time after the signing of the treaty. But, after WWI, Germany was (much like other nations) struggling with inflation and a failing economy. The additional financial punishment of the Treaty left many Germans angry and frustrated. Germany paid off reparations from World War I in 2010.
-
The goal was to weaken Germany’s military so it barely had enough for domestic control.
Army: the German army was to be reduced to 100 000 men, and no tanks were allowed.
Navy: Germany was only allowed six ships and no submarines.
Air force: Germany was not allowed an air force.
- Rhineland: The Rhineland area of Germany was to be kept free of German military personnel and weapons. The Rhineland was economically important to Germany. If Germany was not able to pay reparations to the Allies, they could easily invade and take it over.
- "Anschluss" is a German word meaning "union." As part of the Treaty, Germany was not allowed to unite with Austria. Austria’s population was mostly German, and it was thought that allowing Germany to unite with Austria would strengthen Germany. France and England wanted a weak Germany.
- Germany lost land to several countries. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France, Eupen and Malmedy were given to Belgium, and North Schleswig was given to Denmark. Other areas were given to Czechoslovakia and Poland.
- The League of Nations took control of Germany’s overseas colonies. In doing so, Germany had to give up all of its colonies, which weakened Germany economically. View the map of the new territories and ceded (given away) states in 1919, shown below.
Learn Alberta Tools 4 Teachers-Adapted from Map resources
France and Britain mostly got their way in the treaty with regard to revenge against Germany. They also managed to weaken Germany financially, militarily, and territorially.
Most Germans vehemently resented the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, considering them too harsh and dictated by vengeful nations. The Treaty was a significant blow to German national pride. In the cartoon (left), the bag holding the financial reparations imposed on Germany (the man underneath the bag) is crushing him.
However, Germany had no choice but to accept the treaty because the Allies threatened to invade if the Germans did not. But, despite the loss of World War I and the treaty conditions, the German people wanted desperately to regain national pride, international power, and prestige.
Most Germans vehemently resented the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, considering them too harsh and dictated by vengeful nations. The Treaty was a significant blow to German national pride. In the cartoon (left), the bag holding the financial reparations imposed on Germany (the man underneath the bag) is crushing him.
However, Germany had no choice but to accept the treaty because the Allies threatened to invade if the Germans did not. But, despite the loss of World War I and the treaty conditions, the German people wanted desperately to regain national pride, international power, and prestige.
|
Go to your textbook, Understanding Nationalism, and read pages 117 to 119. These pages will further your understanding about how national interest shaped foreign policy in the Treaty of Versailles. |
| Continue to take notes about what you have read, using the 3.6.5 Notebook Organizer (Word, PDF, Google Doc). When you are done, return here to continue. |
Reflect
The Treaty of Versailles did not bring lasting peace to Europe. As we will see, many of the roots of World War II can be found in the Treaty of Versailles.
The crying child in this cartoon represents Germany, who has been "stripped" of everything it had by the Big Four (the men in the cartoon). Clemenceau (the man in front) was nicknamed "The Tiger" due to his harsh terms and punishment of Germany.
Legitimate* national interest
|
Ultranationalism and national interest
|
Using the chart above, reflect on the following questions, and add a section to your 3.6.5 Notebook Organizer.
|
| Tip: Throughout the course, you will be asked to reflect on certain questions or issues. While the "Reflect" sections are not part of your course mark, they help you consider your own perspectives and ideas prior to going through the unit. When you encounter the "Reflect" sections, brainstorm your own perspectives and ideas, and record these impressions in your notes. Review the tutorial How to Take Notes to help clarify notetaking methods for Social Studies 20-2. |