Peacemaking

• What was the armistice in relation to the First World War?

  An agreement to stop fighting
• When was the armistice signed?

  11 November 1918
• What was the impact of the First World War on casualties?

  Eight million soldiers and civilians were killed
• What happened to Germany after it defeated Russia in March 1917?

  A German victory seemed possible for a while
• How did the entry of the USA into the war affect Germany's position?

  It changed the balance in favor of the Allies
• What was the Spring Offensive?

  Germany's last attempt to win the war
• What did Germany hope to achieve by the Spring Offensive?

  To win the war quickly
• What did the Allies insist on regarding the armistice terms?

  Germany must accept the terms or fighting continues
• Why was Germany short of manpower and supplies after the Spring Offensive?

  Due to heavy losses and ongoing fighting
• What happened on 3 November 1918 in Kiel?

  Sailors mutinied and refused to fight
• What was the reaction of civilians in Germany after the Spring Offensive?

  They protested against the burdens of war
• What was the role of Prince Max of Baden during the protests?

  He persuaded the Kaiser to step down
• What were the main terms of the armistice signed by Germany?

  • German fleet seized
  • Troops to leave occupied territories
  • Cancellation of treaties with Russia and Romania
  • Surrender of military equipment
  • Immediate release of Allied prisoners of war
  • Germany to pay reparations and accept blame
• How did Britain, France, and the USA react to the armistice?

  They celebrated the end of fighting
• What was the significance of the peace treaty being drawn up in Paris in 1919?

  It involved the main Allies with differing ideas
• Who were the leaders of the 'Big Three'?

  Clemenceau, Lloyd George, Wilson
• What was Clemenceau's main aim regarding Germany?

  To take revenge and weaken Germany
• What was Lloyd George's concern about punishing Germany too harshly?

  It might lead to another war
• What were Wilson's Fourteen Points aimed at?

  Encouraging nations to work together
• What were the key disagreements among the Big Three?

  • Clemenceau vs. Wilson: Revenge vs. fairness
  • Clemenceau vs. Lloyd George: Military reduction vs. strong Germany
  • Wilson vs. Lloyd George: Freedom of seas vs. naval supremacy
• When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

  28 June 1919
• What was Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles?

  The war guilt clause blaming Germany
• How much reparations was Germany required to pay?

  £6.6
• What were the territorial changes imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

  • North Schleswig to Denmark
  • Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium
  • Saar coalfields controlled by the League of Nations
  • Alsace-Lorraine returned to France
  • Polish Corridor created
• What was the term 'diktat' in relation to the Treaty of Versailles?

  A dictated peace imposed on Germany
• What restrictions were placed on Germany's military by the Treaty of Versailles?

  • Navy: 15,000 men, 6 battleships
  • Army: 100,000 men, no conscription
  • No tanks, submarines, or air force allowed
  • Rhineland demilitarised
• How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's territory?

  Germany lost more than 10% of its territory
• What was the reaction of the British public to the Treaty of Versailles?

  Most felt it was fair but wanted harsher terms
• What was Clemenceau's reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?

  He was unhappy with its leniency towards Germany
• What was Wilson's concern regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  It might provoke German revenge
• What were the short- and medium-term impacts of the Treaty of Versailles for Britain, France, and the USA?

  • Britain: Felt treaty was fair, but feared German revenge
  • France: Wanted harsher punishment, felt let down
  • USA: Concerned treaty was too harsh, risked future conflict
• What did the treaty determine about Germany?

  Germany should be punished.
• Which elements of the treaty were popular?

  War guilt clause, demilitarisation, Alsace-Lorraine
• Why were many people angry about the treaty?

  They felt their suffering wasn't compensated.
• What happened to Clemenceau after the treaty?

  He was voted out at the next election.
• Why was Clemenceau unhappy with the treaty?

  Germany was allowed to keep an army.
• What did Clemenceau want for the Rhineland?

  He wanted it to be a powerless state.
• How much were the reparations set at?

  £6600 million.
• What was the American perspective on the treaty?

  Many felt it was unfair on Germany.
• What was the US Senate's stance on the treaty?

  They refused to ratify it.