WW1 and WW2: The Treaty of Versailles

Questions and Answers

Where did the German delegation receive the draft treaty?

Hall of Mirrors

Palace Hotel (correct)

The big four's conference room

Coffeehouse

What was the reason for Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando's walkout from the negotiating table?

He was unhappy with the Hall of Mirrors as the venue

He was not satisfied with the treatment of Germany

He disagreed with French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau

He was not granted territories promised by the Allies in a secret pact (correct)

What was the significance of the date June 28, 1919?

It was the birthday of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

It was the anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (correct)

It was the anniversary of the unification of Germany

It was the start of the German delegation's negotiations

Who were the main parties involved in the conference?

Britain, Italy, France, and the US Signup and view all the answers

Why did the German delegation sign the treaty?

They did not want to risk reigniting hostilities Signup and view all the answers

Where was the unification of Germany proclaimed?

Hall of Mirrors Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles in terms of the number of global conflicts?

It sowed the seeds for the outbreak of World War II. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Paris Peace Conference?

To promote collective security over national interests. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key principle of Woodrow Wilson's 14-point plan for peace?

The concept of open diplomacy and transparency. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles in terms of Germany?

Germany was forced to accept harsh penalties and reparations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Paris Peace Conference?

It was the first international conference open to the press and public. Signup and view all the answers

Who accompanied Emir Faisal to the Paris Peace Conference?

Lawrence of Arabia Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Paris Peace Conference for the colonies?

The colonizers maintained control over their colonies. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the demands of oppressed nationalities not fully addressed at the Paris Peace Conference?

Because they went against the aims or territories of the great powers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, marking the end of World War I, but setting the stage for World War II.
The treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors in the French Chateau outside of Paris, where the unification of Germany was proclaimed after France was defeated in 1871.
The treaty was characterized by a spirit of revenge and reconciliation, sowing seeds of resentment in Germany.

Paris Peace Conference

The Paris Peace Conference took place from January 18, 1919, with 32 states participating.
The conference was open to the press and public, and drew from the 14 principles for peace laid out by US President Woodrow Wilson.

Woodrow Wilson's 14 Principles

The principles aimed to ensure collective security over national interests and promote the rights of different groups of people.
Key principles included open diplomacy, rejecting secret treaties and negotiations behind closed doors, and disarmament.
Another principle was to settle the question of colonies, giving equal weight to the colonized.

Redrawing National Boundaries

National boundaries were redrawn, and those who fought alongside the Allies demanded recognition.
Examples include Emir Faisal's push for an independent Arab Kingdom, Ho Chi Min's demand for Vietnamese freedom from France, and a pan-African Congress petitioning for African self-governance.

Limitations of the Conference

Not all delegations representing oppressed nationalities had access to the big decision-makers.
The demands of these delegations often went against the aims or territories of the great powers themselves.
Germany, which had signed the armistice in November 1918, was not initially included in the conference, relying on US mediation for the kind of peace it wanted.

The German Delegation

The German delegation arrived in Versailles in May 1919, receiving the draft treaty, but were not allowed to express themselves directly, having to respond in written form.
The German delegation was shocked by the harsh terms of the treaty, but eventually signed it on June 28, 1919, to avoid reigniting hostilities.