2. Today’s lesson – The Treaty of Versailles
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of
the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919.
By the end of today’s lesson I should be able to:
1) Describe the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
2) Explain why Germans were opposed to the Treaty of Versailles
Today’s lesson involves:
Note taking
National 5 level question
3. After the Armistice
Germany’s November 1918 surrender was only a temporary agreement
– a more formal deal was needed to officially end the war and punish
Germany.
In January 1919, the winning sides began a Peace conference in Paris.
This involved the sides meeting to discuss what punishments they
intended to inflict on Germany. Germany was not part of discussions.
4. Task 1 – Video task
Watch the following clip
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVIdAIPp-yY) and using the
clips/notes to complete the following countries.
1) Why do you think the allies wanted to punish Germany?
2) Do you think it was fair that Germany was not part of discussions?
3) What happened to Japan during the Paris peace conference.
EXTENSION
4) What punishments would you give to Germany? Why would you do
this? Give at least two punishments
5. The Treaty of Versailles
A final deal was agreed in June 1919. This
agreement – signed at the Palace of Versailles
became known as the Treaty of Versailles.
Germany was forced to sign the Treaty or face the
prospect of war. The final treaty had 440 articles,
outlining various punishments for Germany.
Germans were outraged at the terms of the Treaty
calling it a ‘diktat’ meaning they were forced to
accept it. They felt they were unfairly punished.
6. Task 2
Take a new double page in your jotter with the following mind-map in
the middle.
Treaty of
Versailles
Use a black pen/pencil to
write down the Terms of the
treaty and another colour to
write down the reaction of
the German people.
7. Germany’s military
The following restrictions were placed on Germany’s military.
1) Germany’s army was limited to only 100,000 soldiers.
2) Army conscription was banned in Germany.
3) Germany was not allowed submarines or an air force.
4) Size of the navy was down to 6 battleships.
Reaction
Many Germans were worried that their weakened military left them
open to attack from their rivals France & Russia.
They also felt humiliated by being forced to accept a smaller military.
8. German Territory
The following changes to German territory was introduced.
• The Alsace-Lorraine area was given to France.
• Germany was divided by the Polish corridor, harming Germany’s access to some
ports.
• Germany could not join up with Austria.
• The Sudetenland was given to Czechslovakia.
• Germany lost all of their overseas territory.
Reaction
Germans were angry at Territory that they thought was German was taken away
from them. The loss of land made it harder for them to rebuild their economy.
Germans living in these areas were also furious and confused at being forced to
accept a change of country.
9. Blame for the war
The most controversial section of the Treaty was Article 231.
This is known as the ‘War-Guilt clause’ forced Germany to officially take
the blame for starting the war and any subsequent problems it caused.
Reaction
Most Germans did not believe that their country was solely responsible
for the war taking place.
They were therefore very angry at the idea they should accept official
responsibility for this.
10. Cost of the war
As Germany was forced to accept blame for starting the war, it had
to pay the full cost of the war.
This involved Germany paying reparations to the allies (In particular
France) – a figure that was initially set at 132 billion marks (pounds).
Reaction
Germans did not want to have to pay the full costs of the
war, especially if they believed that war was not their fault.
This was made worse by ongoing poverty problems in
Germany, who had to pay their own war costs.
11. National 5 level questions
1) Explain why many Germans were angry at the Treaty of Versailles – 6
marks.
Remember the ABCD formula.
Answer
Because
Comment
‘One reasons why Germans were angry at the Treaty of Versailles was
because of the army reduced to 100,000. The Germans were angry at this
because it resulted in Germany being weaker in comparison to their rivals
France and Russia. (1 MARK)’
2) Describe the terms of the Treaty of Versailles – 4 Marks.
