1.1 Was the Treaty of Versailles fair?
Was the Treaty of Versailles fair?
The most important attendees were (the Big Three):
Woodrow Wilson, President of the USA
Georges Clemenceau, Prime Minister of France
David Lloyd George, Prime Minister of Britain
France was concerned about its eastern frontier because:
- It shared a common border with Germany
- The border wasn't defined by a natural frontier (a river, mountain, etc.)
- It was the second time in 50 years that Germany had invaded France
The six demands of the Paris Peace Conference
1. Germany’s military forces, including most of its army, navy, and air force, were to be permanently reduced or dismantled.
2. The treaty would impose extremely high reparations on Germany, with a fixed amount clearly stated.
3. Alsace-Lorraine would be returned to France.
4. A large portion of Germany’s overseas colonies would be transferred to France.
5. The Rhineland would become an independent territory, removing the direct border between Germany and France.
6. Control of the Saar region would be given to France.
The American experience of the war:
America had not declared war on Germany until April 1917 and did not become fully involved until a year later. Moreover, American territory was not affected, and very few Americans had died. Furthermore, the war had brought profitable trading and business opportunities for American manufacturers and financiers.
Woodrow Wilson was dedicated to avoiding a repeat of the war and had devised the 14 points to prevent war and promote international stability.
Example of his 14 aims:
- No more secret treaties
- Removal of economic trade barriers
- Independence of Belgium
- Reduction of armaments for all countries
The British experience of the war:
Throughout the war, Britain had experienced direct attacks on its mainland. It began in 1914 when German naval forces bombed several towns along the Yorkshire coast. These attacks were followed by Zeppelin air raids between 1915 and 1918, which targeted cities such as London and Edinburgh. The conflict also took a serious toll on the British economy, particularly damaging its export industries. Beyond its own borders, Britain was deeply concerned about the security of France’s eastern frontier; if France were threatened, it would directly lead to a threat to Britain.
Lloyd George's view in January 1919:
Lloyd George recognized that Britain's economic recovery was linked to the overall revival of Europe, thus depending on the revival of the German economy. (Germany was Britain's most important trading partner before 1914)
He believed that removing the Rhineland from Germany would weaken its industrial base, limiting its ability to import British goods.
Lloyd George was concerned that a harsh treaty would create resentment in Germany, increasing the risk of Germany overturning the treaty.
He feared that excessive reparations would stall Germany's economic recovery by diverting funds away from investment and rebuilding.
Thus, after realizing the threat of an overly harsh treaty, Lloyd George succeeded in persuading Clemenceau to agree to certain compromises.
To abandon the idea of an independent Rhineland state
To abandon the idea of naming a definite and high reparations figure
To abandon the idea that the Saar Basin should be transferred to France
To abandon the idea that Danzig would be handed over to Poland
MAIN TERMS OF THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES
War guilt clause (Article 231): Germany and its allies had to accept total responsibility for starting the war
Reparations: Germany had to accept responsibility for reparations; the amount was to be decided by the Reparations Commission and was 6.6 billion pounds.
Disarmament:
Army: The German army was to be restricted to 100,000
No conscription
Military and naval air force: No tanks, armored vehicles, military, naval air force, or heavy artillery were permitted.
6 battleships
12 destroyers
6 light cruisers
12 torpedo boats
0 submarines
The Rhineland would become a demilitarized zone with the Allied troops occupying it on the west bank for 15 years.
Territory:
Colonies in Africa: lose all colonies in Africa and the Far East
Colonies in Asia lost all colonies
Alsace-Lorraine: returned to France
North Schleswig: transferred to Denmark
West Prussia, Posen, and parts of Upper Silesia: transferred to Poland
Saar Basin: to be managed by the League of Nations for 15 years. During the period of League administration, the profits of the coal mines were to go to France. There would be a plebiscite to evaluate which control it should go under.
Danzig: became a Free City administered by the League of Nations. Poland could use the port for its external trade.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were taken away from Germany and set up as independent states.
Anschluss: The Union between Germany and Austria was forbidden