Germany
Who became the new Chancellor of Germany?
Friedrich Ebert
Who was the leader of the USA?
Woodrow Wilson
Who was the leader of Britain?
Lloyd George
Who was the leader of France?
Georges Clemenceau
What was Total War?
The comprehensive mobilization of a nation's entire society—its economy, industry, labour, and resources—to fight a war.
How did the German people feel about the 14 points?
The German people generally had a positive but misguided hope for the Fourteen Points as the basis for peace, believing it would be a fair and less punitive outcome than the eventual Treaty of Versailles.
What was the attitude and aim of the USA towards Germany?
Fair Treaty but didn´t want to give them excuse for revenge. He is worried about communism too. Create League of Nations for sustained peace.
What was the attitude and aim of Britain towards Germany?
He wanted to trade with Germany but also to punish them. Worried about communism and another war if too harsh. Wanted to remove colonies from Germany. In public to sound harsh but in reality to limit restrictions.
What was the situation in France?
France suffered huge loses and devastation with over 1.400.000 soldiers killed. France’s entire northeast of the country was devastated, the cost of destruction of infrastructure (canals, roads, railroads, and houses) in this region was around 55 billion francs.
Describe the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
It was a harsh peace treaty signed in 1918, between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers that officially ended Russia's participation in World War I. Under its terms, Russia ceded vast territories in Eastern Europe, losing significant land and resources, a result that fuelled the Russian Civil War and had lasting international consequence.
Why did people in Germany deny that they lost the war?
No foreign army had got to Germany, German newspapers had not published anything negative about the war effort, Germans believed that the armistice would result in a fair peace because it wasn’t a surrender.
Mention at least 4 of the 14 points.
1.Open diplomacy (no secret treaties) 2.Freedom of the seas 3.Removal of economic barriers 4.Reduction of armaments 5.Adjustment of colonial claims 6.Conquered territories in Russia 7.Preservation of Belgian sovereignty 8.Restoration of French territory 9.Redrawing of Italian frontiers 10.Division of Austria-Hungary (Self-determination) 11.Redrawing of Balkan boundaries 12.Limitations on Turkey 13.Establishment of an independent Poland 14.Association of nations (League of Nations)
The self-determination and access to the seas for all nations threatened the British Empire and Navy.
What were the attitudes and aims France had towards Germany?
Aggressive towards Germany due to destruction but wanted long lasting peace. Could finally cripple Germany. Leave Germans too weak to attack France again. People of France still scared of Germany.
How did the central powers lose?
Due to overwhelming Allied resources, the entry of the United States into the war, economic exhaustion and starvation caused by the Allied naval blockade, internal social unrest and loss of morale, and the collapse and surrender of their allies.
What caused hyperinflation in Germany?
The German government's inability to pay reparations led to the printing of vast amounts of paper money to cover debts and pay striking workers during the Ruhr occupation
Explain the League of Nations and its purpose
This intergovernmental organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson was intended to maintain world peace. Germany was not invited (until it demonstrated it was a peace-loving country)
Why did Britain not want to punish Germany harshly?
To maintain Germany as a strong trading partner, prevent the rise of communism in a weakened Germany, and reduce the risk of future war caused by resentment
Which of the 14 points would have upset France?
He would likely disagree with any point that did not advocate for harsh retribution against Germany (removal of economic barriers).
What was the democratic government that took over Germany called?
Weimar republic
Why did Germany claim it couldn't pay it debts?
Due to a devastated economy, the loss of industrial resources.
Why didn't the USA join the League of Nations?
Primarily due to Congressional opposition, led by Republican Senators who were concerned that the League's collective security commitments, especially Article X, would violate American sovereignty and drag the U.S. into future European conflicts, reversing the nation's traditional isolationist foreign policy.
Why was Britain pleased with the clause that reduced Germany's armed forces?
It ensured that Germany's naval power would not challenge Britain's own, and uphold the power balance established by the victorious Allies.
What territory did France want back?
Return of Alsace-Lorraine
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Versailles? (5)
War Guilt, Reparations, German territory and colonies, German armed forces, League of Nations.