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Questions and Answers
What is the Treaty of Versailles?
What is the Treaty of Versailles?
What was the date of the WW1 armistice?
What was the date of the WW1 armistice?
11 November 1918
What was the signing date of the Treaty of Versailles?
What was the signing date of the Treaty of Versailles?
28 June 1919
Who were the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?
Who were the Big Three at the Paris Peace Conference?
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What was the War Guilt Clause?
What was the War Guilt Clause?
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Germany was allowed to join the League of Nations immediately after World War One.
Germany was allowed to join the League of Nations immediately after World War One.
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What concept was mainly promoted by Woodrow Wilson?
What concept was mainly promoted by Woodrow Wilson?
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What were Germany's territorial losses after World War One?
What were Germany's territorial losses after World War One?
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What was the primary aim of Clemenceau during the Paris Peace Conference?
What was the primary aim of Clemenceau during the Paris Peace Conference?
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What was the League of Nations?
What was the League of Nations?
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The policy taken by the British to avoid stopping Hitler's remilitarization was known as ___ .
The policy taken by the British to avoid stopping Hitler's remilitarization was known as ___ .
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What was a significant consequence of the World Depression?
What was a significant consequence of the World Depression?
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Which event directly preceded the start of World War II?
Which event directly preceded the start of World War II?
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What did the Nazi-Soviet Pact ensure for Germany?
What did the Nazi-Soviet Pact ensure for Germany?
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Study Notes
Peace Treaties and Key Dates
- Treaty of Versailles: Peace treaty establishing terms after Germany's WW1 surrender.
- Versailles Settlement: Collective term for treaties from the Paris Peace Conference.
- WW1 Armistice: Ceasefire took effect on 11 November 1918.
- Treaty of Versailles Signing: Occurred on 28 June 1919.
The Big Three Leaders
- Woodrow Wilson: US President advocating for world peace with 14 points for peace.
- David Lloyd George: British Prime Minister known for a pragmatic approach to treaty negotiations.
- George Clemenceau: French Prime Minister, a tough leader nicknamed 'The Tiger', desired a harsh treaty.
Territorial and Military Provisions
- Alsace-Lorraine: Region returned to France, previously conquered by Germany.
- Disarmament Restrictions: Limited Germany's military to 100,000 troops without conscription; prohibited tanks and aircraft; navy restricted to limited ships.
- Demilitarisation of the Rhineland: Established as a demilitarised zone adjacent to France with allied occupation.
Economic Consequences
- War Guilt Clause (Article 231): Germany accepted full responsibility for the war.
- Reparations: Germany required to pay reparations, amount determined by a committee.
Political Concepts and Governance
- Self-Determination: Wilson’s principle allowing nations to choose their governance.
- Mandate System: The League of Nations administered territories formerly governed by defeated powers, benefiting Britain and France.
- League of Nations: An early international organization aimed at maintaining peace, structured by a Covenant outlining its functions and authorities.
League of Nations Structure
- Council: Executive body with permanent members (Britain, France, Italy, Japan) that required unanimous voting.
- Assembly: Annual gathering assessing general policy and admitting new members.
- Secretariat: Administrative arm handling organizational functions.
- Permanent Court of International Justice: Provided arbitration in disputes.
League of Nations Challenges and Actions
- Notable Non-Members: Included the USA (no entanglement), Germany (joined in 1926), USSR (joined in 1934), Japan (withdrew in 1933), and Italy (withdrew in 1937).
- Collective Security: Proposed measures included moral disapproval, economic sanctions, and military actions to maintain peace.
Conflicts and Responses
- Teschen (1920): Territorial conflict between Poland and Czechoslovakia managed by the League.
- Aaland Islands (1921): Decision to keep the islands under Finnish control, prohibiting weapons.
- Greece-Bulgaria Incident (1925): League intervened in a military conflict, imposing reparations on Greece.
Major Failures of the League
- Invasion of Ruhr (1923): Allies violated the League’s Covenant while asserting reparations.
- Manchuria Invasion (1931): Japan's aggression went unchecked due to its economic ties with other nations.
- Abyssinia (1935): League’s sanctions against Italy proved ineffective, showcasing its limitations.
Prelude to WWII
- Spanish Civil War (1936-39): Allowed fascist powers to strengthen, while the League chose not to intervene.
- Global Depression: Economic turmoil post-1929 Wall Street crash weakened the League’s authority and unity.
- Policy of Appeasement: British reluctance to confront Hitler’s remilitarization efforts paved the way for WWII.
Hitler's Foreign Policy Goals
- Objectives included dismantling the Treaty of Versailles, expanding German territory, combating communism, and unifying German-speaking peoples.
- Early actions: Refused reparations, expanded military practices, and sought to annex Saar region and Sudetenland.
Major Events Leading to WWII
- Nazi-Soviet Pact (August 1939): Non-aggression agreement allowed for coordinated actions in Europe, including joint plans for Poland.
- Invasion of Poland: Initiated on 1 September 1939, prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key terms related to the Treaty of Versailles and its significance in World War One. This quiz includes important definitions and dates that are crucial for understanding the aftermath of the war. Perfect for CIE IGCSE History students preparing for exams.