the terms of the treaty of versailles

• Germany had to pay reparations to the allies - in 1921, reparations were eventually fixed at 136,000 million marks (£6.6 billion)
• Germany lost all its colonies - The 11 German colonies in Africa and the far east were given to victorious countries as 'mandates' territories to look after
• German military strength was cut - the army was limited to 100,000 men, with not heavy artillery, to be used only within Germany, the navy was limited to six battleships, six cruisers, 12 destroyers and 12 torpedo boats. No submarines were allowed. The rest of the fleet was destroyed. No air force was allowed. The existing air force was destroyed, the Rhineland (the german land which bordered france) was demilitarised, which meant that the German army was not allowed in. Allied troops were stationed there until 1930
• Germany lost land - Alsace and Lorraine were lost to France, Eupenn and Malmedy were lost to Belgium, the loss of Posen and West Prussia put a million Germans under polish rule. It also divided Germany in two, cutting off east Prussia from the rest of the country. Plebiscites (public votes) had to take place in other areas, to decide wether they should leave Germany. Upper silesia voted to become part of Poland. Northern Schleswig decied to become a part of Denmark.