German Reaction & Impact

• War guilt and reparations

  • war guilt clause was hated
  • germans didnt think they started the war
  • bitter that Germany was expected to pay for damages caused by the war even though their economy was weakened
• Disarmament

  • unfair
  • 100,00 men for the arm was too small for germany’s size
  • their army was their pride
  • none of Germany’s allies were disarmed, they thought it is unfair
• German territories

  • major blow to pride + economy
  • Saar and upper silesia were important industrial areas
  • british + french were increasing territories
• 14 Points and LON

  • Treatment of germany was not the same as promised in Wilson’s 14 points
  • german speaking countries were ruled by non-german speaking countries
  • germany felt insulted by not being invited to the league of nations
• Non-representation

  • angry that government was not represented and were forced to accept a harsh treaty w/o choice
  • germans didnt think they lost so they shouldnt get treatment as a defeated country
• The Impact

  • political violence
  • lots of political asssinations
  • hitler’s munich putsch
  • Conflicts in Ruhur
  • germans wanted to negotiate with the french
  • french forcefully took what they owned
  • german workers striked
  • french killed workers
  • hyperinflation
  • government tried to print money to solve problem
  • money became worthless