The impact of the Versailles settlement

• When did the war end with the armistice agreement?

  11 November 1918
• What was the nature of the armistice agreement for Germany?

  It was an agreement to stop fighting and withdraw German forces from occupied territory, pending a full peace settlement.
• Where did the conference to settle the peace terms between the Allied powers and Germany take place?

  At the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris.
• When were the Germans allowed to see the terms of the treaty?

  On 7 May 1919.
• What was the response of the German government to the treaty terms?

  The German government suggested changes to the treaty, but the Allies agreed to very few.
• What happened on 16 June 1919 regarding the treaty?

  The Allies gave the German government seven days to accept the treaty.
• What political consequence did the ultimatum from the Allies provoke in Germany?

  It led to the formation of a new coalition government in Berlin.
• When was the Versailles Treaty signed?

  28 June 1919.
• How did Germans perceive the Versailles Treaty?

  It was regarded as a Diktat or dictated peace, as they were not allowed to participate in the negotiations.
• How did the majority of Germans react to the signing of the treaty?

  With horror and disbelief
• What was Germany's military status before the treaty was signed?

  Germany had been one of the greatest military powers in Europe until 1914
• How was Germany's war effort portrayed in official propaganda?

  As if victory was only a matter of time
• What was the situation on the Western Front by autumn 1918?

  Germany's military situation had become desperate
• What was the public's perception of the war effort despite the Allied blockade?

  Support for the war effort was still very strong
• What was the reaction to the abdication of the Kaiser and the signing of the armistice?

  It came as a profound shock to millions of Germans
• What was the general sentiment towards the peace treaty that followed the armistice?

  There was almost universal resentment at the harsh terms
• What was a major source of resentment regarding the right of national self-determination?

  Germans were denied this right while millions of German speakers lived in non-German states
• How did Germans view the 'war guilt clause'?

  As an unjust national humiliation
• Why were reparations a major cause of anger among Germans?

  They felt the level was too high and would cripple the economy
• What led to continuing friction between Germany and the Allies?


  Allied occupation of parts of western Germany and control of the Saarland coal mines
• How did the disarming of Germany affect national sentiment?

  It was seen as unjust discrimination against a proud nation
• What were the main German objections to the Treaty of Versailles?

  • Denial of national self-determination
  • The 'war guilt clause'
  • High reparations
  • Allied occupation and control of resources
  • Disarmament and exclusion from the League of Nations
• How did Wilson's Fourteen Points relate to German expectations?

  They created unrealistic expectations about national self-determination
• What did the treaty require from Germany regarding Alsace-Lorraine?


  It required Germany to return Alsace-Lorraine to France
• What was the reaction of the German government when the harsh terms of the treaty were revealed?

  Ministers shared the view that accepting it would be incompatible with German honour
• What was the political crisis that arose from the treaty's acceptance?

  There was a division between those wanting to reject the treaty and those believing it had to be signed
• Who was Chancellor Scheidemann and what was his stance on the treaty?

  He wanted to reject the treaty
• What did President Ebert tell General Groener regarding military action against the treaty?

  He would support rejection if military action could be successful
• What was the outcome of the discussions regarding military resistance to the treaty?

  Military resistance was deemed futile, leading to acceptance of the treaty
• What was the policy of fulfilment adopted by the SPD and its allies?

  • Outwardly comply with the treaty
  • Negotiate modifications to the treaty
• How did the signing of the Versailles Treaty affect the Weimar Republic's political landscape?

  It alienated moderates and caused political demoralization
• What was the right-wing reaction to the signing of the Versailles Treaty?

  It intensified resentment towards the Republic
• How did extreme nationalists view the politicians who signed the treaty?

  They lacked legitimacy and were labeled 'November Criminals'
• What myth did Ludendorff and Hindenburg promote regarding Germany's defeat?


  The 'stab in the back' myth
• Why was the 'stab in the back' myth appealing to ex-soldiers?

  They felt humiliated after returning to a revolutionary Germany
• What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on the perception of the Weimar Republic?

  It associated the Republic with weakness and failure
• Were all soldiers who returned to Germany hostile to the new republic?

  No, many working-class soldiers supported the new democratic system.
• What was the attitude of many working-class soldiers towards the new republic?

  Many supported the new democratic system.
• What did some soldiers gravitate towards after returning to Germany?

  Some gravitated towards the communists.
• Why did many soldiers struggle to adjust to civilian life?

  They had difficulty finding employment and yearned for the comradeship of the war years.