Georges Clemenceau was the French prime minister during the Versailles peace negotiations after World War 1. He was nicknamed "Le Tigre" or "Tiger" due to his uncompromising "pitbull" style of diplomacy. Clemenceau wanted Germany severely punished and weakened to prevent future invasions of France, taking a harsher position than the other Allied leaders Lloyd George and Wilson. However, even the punitive Treaty of Versailles did not satisfy Clemenceau, as he felt Germany might still pose a threat.

1. GEORGES
CLEMENCEAU
IGCSE HISTORY
REVISION

2. DEFINITION
Georges Clemenceau was the French prime minister who was a driving
force during the post-war peace settlements.

3. What was Clemenceau’s nickname?
Explain the significance.

4. Answer 1
His “Pitbull” style earned Clemenceau the nickname “Le Tigre”, or
“Tiger”. He approached diplomacy in the same uncompromising way.

5. Question 2
Which word best sums up Clemenceau’s
position during the Versailles settlement?

6. Answer 2
Hatred. France had suffered greatly and Clemenceau wanted Germany
severely punished and made too weak ever to invade France again.

7. Question 3
Was Clemenceau’s attitude towards
Germany shared by the other two
leaders of the “Big Three”?

8. Answer 3
No. Lloyd George was a compromiser, recognising that a harsh treaty
might lead to trouble. Wilson was an idealist, wanting a more just peace.

9. Question 4
Would it be accurate to say that
Clemenceau was satisfied by
the Treaty of Versailles?

10. Answer 4
No. Germany had been dealt with very firmly, but Clemenceau did not
think this was enough and argued that Germany might still attack France.

11. Important
Clemenceau’s demand for harsh treatment of Germany was not
forgotten by the Germans, who later responded to Hitler’s promise to
avenge Germany’s humiliation.