Paris Peace Conference

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Questions and Answers

What was the main goal of French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau during the negotiations?

To establish a League of Nations

To weaken Germany so it would never be able to fight again (correct)

To punish Germany severely for its role in WWI

To establish a collective security agreement

Who was blamed for World War 2 by the people?

The League of Nations

Germany and Austria-Hungary

Italy and Bulgaria

Those who had negotiated the terms of peace at the end of WW1 (correct)

What was the primary criterion for receiving Susso?

Having been unemployed for a period of time and having no savings or assets (correct)

Being a resident of Paris

Being a veteran of WW1

Being a citizen of Europe

What was the consequence if Germany refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles?

The Allies would invade Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany's economy?

It created a weak and unstable economy with mass unemployment and inflation Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Italy after the Paris peace conference?

Italy was outraged that it received few benefits for joining the allies Signup and view all the answers

What was the limit on Germany's army size according to the Treaty of Versailles?

100,000 men Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a provision of the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany had to join the League of Nations Signup and view all the answers

What was the form of Susso given to those who were truly destitute?

Food ration or coupons Signup and view all the answers

How much were the German reparations set at, according to the Treaty of Versailles?

7 billion British pounds Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the Treaty of Versailles on the German people?

It led to a sense of resentment and bitterness among the Germans Signup and view all the answers

Why was the 1920s a period of economic prosperity for some countries?

Due to the technological advances and social changes during that time Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the League of Nations' failure?

Lack of US involvement Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Austria-Hungary's defeat in World War I?

Its empire was broken up, and territories were lost to form Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia Signup and view all the answers

What was the peak number of member countries in the League of Nations?

58 countries Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the League of Nations formed in 1919?

To maintain world peace and prevent future wars through negotiation Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the negotiations dominated by the four leaders (David Loyld George, Georges Clemenceau, Woodrow Wilson, and Vittorio Orlando)?

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28th June 1919 Signup and view all the answers

Why did the United States not join the League of Nations?

Because the League was seen as a European affair Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Susso provided for the destitute, specifically those long-term unemployed with no savings or assets.
Given in the form of food rations (bread and potatoes) or coupons.
Inspired a popular children's rhyme during its implementation.

Causes of World War II

World War II erupted 20 years after WWI, with many blaming the Treaty of Versailles for Germany’s grievances.
The roots of WWII are complex, involving both long-term and short-term contributing factors.

Treaty of Versailles and the Paris Peace Conference

The Paris Peace Conference in 1919 involved the Allies (Britain, France, USA, Italy) negotiating peace with the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria).
The treaty imposed harsh penalties on Germany, adversely affecting their political and economic stability.
Germany experienced mass unemployment and inflation, breeding resentment and bitterness among its population.
This sentiment was exploited by various German politicians in the 1920s and 1930s.

Reactions to the Treaty

Allies also faced dissatisfaction; Italy felt shortchanged despite joining the Allies.
The Austrian-Hungarian Empire was dismantled, leading to the creation of new nations like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
Austria-Hungary was required to pay compensation to the Allies.

Establishment of the League of Nations

Formed in 1919 to uphold world peace and prevent future conflicts through negotiation rather than military means.
The League possessed authority to mediate disputes and issue warnings, impose sanctions, or threaten military action against aggressors.
Initially included 42 member countries, expanding to 58 by 1935.
Proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, though the U.S. did not join due to a reluctance to engage in European affairs.
Initially successful, but ultimately failed to prevent future wars.

The Roaring Twenties

While Germany faced economic difficulties, the 1920s marked a time of prosperity in the USA, Britain, France, and Australia.
This era fostered technological advancements and social change.

Key Figures in Negotiations

The Paris Peace Conference was dominated by four leaders:
- British Prime Minister David Lloyd George
- French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau
- American President Woodrow Wilson
- Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando

Clemenceau's Goals

France sought retribution for WWI damages and aimed to significantly weaken Germany to prevent future conflicts.

Wilson's Approach

Wilson advocated for a balanced treaty that punished Germany without inciting a thirst for revenge.

Treaty Signing and Conditions

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, despite German opposition.
Germany had to surrender territory, including former colonies, and maintain a limited army of 100,000 volunteers.
Air force, tanks, heavy artillery, and submarines were banned for Germany.
Germany was required to accept war guilt and pay reparations totaling 7 billion British pounds.

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Description

The Paris Peace Conference was a significant event after World War I, attended by 31 countries. It was dominated by four prominent leaders who shaped the negotiations. Learn more about the conference and its key players.