USA Depth Study 1919-1941

• What major event preceded the Treaty of Versailles?

  World War I
• What were Wilson's Fourteen Points aimed at achieving?

  Peace, open diplomacy, and the League of Nations
• What was a significant point of contention among the Allies during the Paris Peace Conference?

  Disagreement on how to treat Germany
• What was the psychological impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany?

  It caused deep national humiliation
• What long-term societal effects did the Treaty of Versailles have on Germany?

  Increased social tensions and weakened democracy
• What was the main goal of Wilson's League of Nations?

  To promote international cooperation
• How did the Treaty of Versailles impact the USA's foreign policy?

  It led to a period of isolationism
• What was President Wilson's goal with the League of Nations?

  To promote international cooperation
• What was the Senate's response to the Treaty of Versailles?


  The Senate rejected the Treaty
• What was one significant long-term consequence of the Treaty of Versailles?

  It contributed to the rise of Nazi Germany
• What did the Treaty of Versailles demonstrate about punitive peace treaties?

  They have limitations in achieving lasting peace
• What is a power vacuum?

  A sudden loss of political authority
• What long-term consequences arise from signing a punitive treaty?

  Hyperinflation, economic instability, and nationalism
• Treaty of Versailles


  A agreement between major powers that ended World War I
• Long-term societal effects

  The ways in which the Treaty of Versailles influenced Germany's society over time
• Increased social tensions

  Caused by reparations, loss of territory, and treaty stipulations
• Weakened democracy


  Resulted from the challenging economic conditions, political instability, and social unrest following the treaty
• Reparations


  Large sums of money Germany had to pay to Allied countries after World War I
• Loss of territory

  Germany lost significant territories, including Alsace-Lorraine and Saar
• National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP)

  A radical political party that rose to power and eventually became the Nazi Party during World War II
• What was a primary factor driving American opposition to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Economic concerns
• What was the public sentiment towards involvement in European affairs after World War I?

  There was wide opposition to further involvement
• What was the outcome of the Senate's proposed amendments to the treaty?

  It led to the treaty's ultimate rejection
• What did senators propose regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  Amendments to the treaty
• What did the Treaty of Versailles impose on Germany?

  Massive reparations
• How did businessmen view the economic penalties imposed by the treaty?

  They feared it would harm international trade
• Who led the Republican opposition to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Henry Cabot Lodge
• What did isolationists believe about the treaty's impact on U.S. resources?

  It would divert resources from domestic needs
• What concerns did farmers have regarding the treaty?

  Negative effects on agricultural markets
• What role did the Senate play in the Treaty of Versailles' rejection?


  It voted against the treaty
• What was the most controversial part of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Article X
• What did Article X potentially require from the U.S.?

  Automatic military intervention
• What was the required Senate vote for ratification of the treaty?

  Two-thirds majority
• What were the long-term implications of the Treaty of Versailles' defeat in the U.S.?

  • Reinforced isolationist sentiment
  • Prevented U.S. from joining the League of Nations
  • Weakened international diplomatic efforts
• What sentiment was reinforced by the defeat of the Treaty of Versailles?

  Isolationism
• What political divisions were deepened by the treaty's defeat?

  Divisions between Republicans and Democrats
• What was the primary purpose of the League of Nations?

  To prevent future conflicts and maintain collective security
• How did the League of Nations aim to achieve its purpose?

  Through diplomacy, arbitration, and joint military action
• From which treaty was the League of Nations born?

  The Treaty of Versailles
• What was President Wilson's view on the League of Nations?

  He believed it was essential for global stability