Treaty of Versailles War Guilt Clause Quiz and Flashcards

What was the amount of reparations that Germany was required to pay?

Which territory was NOT lost by Germany as a result of the Treaty of Versailles?

What happened to the German air force following the Treaty of Versailles?

How many men was the German army limited to under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Which country was NOT a recipient of German territory after World War I?

Which entity took control of the Saarland for 15 years after World War I?

War Guilt Clause (Article 231)

Germany was held fully responsible for the war, a provision deeply resented by the Germans, who saw the war as an act of self-defense.

Reparations

Germany was required to pay £6,600 million in annual installments as compensation for damages caused during the war.

Territory and Colonies

Germany lost 13% of its land and 6 million people, with territories being ceded to surrounding countries.
Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.
West Prussia and Posen were lost to Poland.
Eupen and Malmedy were lost to Belgium after local voting.
Northern Schleswig was ceded to Denmark.
Silesia was lost to Poland.
Danzig and Memel were taken by Lithuania.
The Saarland was placed under League of Nations administration for 15 years.
Germany's African colonies were taken over by the League of Nations.

German Military

The German air force was disbanded.
The army was limited to 100,000 men.
The navy was limited to 6 battleships, with no submarines, and 15,000 sailors.
The Rhineland was demilitarized, with German troops barred from entering and only allied troops allowed.
Germany's military capabilities were severely curtailed.

League of Nations

Germany was not allowed to join the League of Nations.

Learn about the War Guilt Clause (Article 231) in the Treaty of Versailles, which held Germany responsible for World War I. Explore the reparations Germany had to pay, the loss of territory and colonies, and other terms imposed on the country.