International Relations in the 1920s

The British public strongly disliked Germany after World War I, with the British Prime Minister Lloyd George promising to make Germany pay for the war.

Britain's strategy for dealing with Germany after World War I was to punish them while also ensuring their future economic recovery.

Britain's role as a major exporter was severely impacted by the war, with both the USA and Japan surpassing them by 1919.

The First World War cost Britain over E3.25 billion, highlighting the significant financial burden imposed by the conflict.

Britain sought to boost its overseas trade after World War I, and Germany was seen as a potentially lucrative market for their exports.

The Council of Four, composed of representatives from Britain, Italy, France, and the USA, was responsible for negotiating the peace treaty following World War I.

Edward N. Jackson was Wilson's official photographer during the Paris Peace Conference and captured a significant image depicting the Council of Four.

The photographer's perspective and their connection to a specific leader can influence the interpretation of a historical photograph.

Wilson's principle of achieving peace without crushing the defeated nation through excessive punishment or harsh terms. He believed that inflicting a severe peace treaty on Germany would breed resentment and increase the likelihood of future conflicts.

The belief that imposing excessive punishment and harsh conditions on Germany after WWI would lead to future conflicts and resentment. This concept emphasizes avoiding oppressive peace treaties and focusing on reconciliation instead.

Wilson's idealistic belief that by promoting self-determination, international cooperation, and free trade, future wars could be prevented.

The argument that Germany's actions during WWI were the primary cause of the war. This perspective lays the blame for the conflict on Germany and suggests a need for retribution.

The idea that the European powers were self-serving and driven by greed, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of WWI. This perspective suggests that a lack of cooperation and mutual respect among nations led to the conflict.

Wilson's role as a mediator between European powers, trying to promote understanding and reconciliation after WWI. He saw himself as a bridge between the nations to find a peaceful solution.

Wilson's lack of understanding about the complexities and specific challenges facing Europe after WWI. He was often criticized for overlooking the intricate issues and real-world problems faced by the European powers.

The aftermath of WWI, where Europe faced profound challenges of rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, managing political and economic tensions, and dealing with the consequences of the war itself.

The breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the renaming of the Ottoman Empire to Turkey resulted in the creation of nine new countries: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, KSCS, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed substantial reparations on Germany and its allies. The controversial Article 231, known as the 'War Guilt Clause', held Germany and its allies accountable for all the losses caused by the war.

A Reparations Commission, established in 1921, was tasked with determining the specific amount of reparations that each defeated nation would pay.

The Treaty of Saint-Germain (Austria), Trianon (Hungary), and Sévres (Turkey) acknowledged the limited resources of these countries, making it difficult for them to meet reparations demands.

The primary focus of reparations payments fell on Germany and Bulgaria, which were deemed to have greater financial capacity.

The Treaty of Saint-Germain was signed by Austria in 1919 to force the country to cede territory, weaken its military, and prevent unification with Germany.

The Treaty of Neuilly, signed in 1919, imposed harsh terms on Bulgaria, including territorial losses to Greece, Yugoslavia, and Romania, and a severely reduced military.

The 'War Guilt Clause' of the Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany and its allies for starting WWI and forced them to pay reparations for war damage, effectively weakening the country.

Reparations are payments made by a defeated country to the victors of a war to compensate for the damage caused during the conflict.

The victorious nations of WWI (France, Britain, etc.) imposed reparations on Germany to weaken its economic and military power, preventing it from becoming a threat again.

The Treaty of Versailles aimed to punish Germany and prevent future war by imposing harsh terms like territorial losses, military restrictions, and the 'War Guilt Clause'.

Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, and Hungary - the four Central Powers - were all forced to sign peace treaties after their defeat in WWI, leading to territorial losses and other consequences.

The victorious nations imposed the Treaty of Saint-Germain on Austria, the Treaty of Neuilly on Bulgaria, the Treaty of Versailles on Germany, and the Treaty of Trianon on Hungary.

A 1920 map of Europe showcasing new national borders established after World War I, reflecting the aftermath of peace agreements.

The agreement reached by victorious nations after a war, aiming to establish peace, determine borders, and address the consequences of war.

The process of negotiating and signing peace treaties between warring parties after a conflict, leading to the official end of hostility.

The formation of new independent countries, often as a result of political upheaval or war, leading to significant changes on the map.

Regions or territories that are granted autonomy or self-governance, usually within a larger political entity. These areas can have their own distinct identities and manage their affairs.

The process by which nations establish their own governments and decide how they will be ruled, leading to self-determination and independence.

The situation where a nation, group, or territory comes under the control or rule of a larger or more powerful entity. This often involves annexation or formal political subjugation.

A region or area of land that is governed as a separate entity, often with its own distinct laws and customs.

The act of acquiring or taking possession of another country's land or territory, often through military conquest or political means.

A process where a country formally declares its independence from another state, signifying the establishment of a new sovereign entity.

A situation where the prices of goods and services rise significantly over a period of time. It can happen due to various factors, such as increased demand, cost of production, or a decrease in the value of currency.

The peace conference held in Paris in 1919, where the victors of World War I negotiated the peace terms with the defeated nations.

The leader of France during World War I, known for his strong stance against Germany and demands for harsh reparations. He wanted to ensure French security and hold Germany accountable for the war.

The American President during World War I, who proposed his Fourteen Points as a plan for a just and lasting peace. He believed in international cooperation, diplomacy, and a framework for preventing future wars.

The feeling of bitterness and resentment that can arise from being defeated in a war, especially when faced with harsh treatment or unfair demands.

The feeling of deep disappointment and dissatisfaction that arises when expectations are not met.