The Treaty of Versailles, Terms of the Treaty 2/2

Summary

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed strict terms on Germany, divided into territorial, military, and financial categories. Territorially, Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, East German lands and colonies were ceded, and the Saar was given to France temporarily. Militarily, Germany's forces were severely limited and the Rhineland demilitarized. Economically, Germany faced a 132 billion gold mark reparations bill and was barred from joining the League of Nations, also accepting full war responsibility. The treaty's harsh conditions contributed to its eventual reversal by Hitler and the onset of World War II.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
• 🌍 Territorial changes: Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.
• ❌ Germany was forbidden to unite with Austria.
• 🌾 Lands in East Germany, including the farmlands of Posen and the Polish Corridor, were given to Poland.
• ⛏️ The Saar region, rich in coal fields, was given to France for 15 years.
• 🏴‍☠️ All German colonies were taken and given to France and Britain as mandates.
• 🔫 Military restrictions: The German army was limited to 100,000 men.
• 🚢 The German Navy was limited to six battleships, and no submarines were allowed.
• ✈️ Germany was not allowed to have an air force.
• 🛡️ The Rhineland was demilitarized, preventing the German army from entering the area between France and Germany.
• 💰 Germany had to pay reparations set at 132 billion gold marks.
• 🌐 Germany was not allowed to join the League of Nations.
• ⚠️ Germany had to accept responsibility for causing all the damage and loss by the war.
• 🚫 The Treaty was unpopular with Germany and its creators.
• ⚔️ The terms of the Treaty would be reversed by Germany, both secretly and openly by Hitler, contributing to the onset of World War II.

Q & A

What were the three main categories of terms in the Treaty of Versailles 1919?

The three main categories of terms in the Treaty of Versailles were territorial, military, and financial and economic.

Which territories were returned to France as per the territorial terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France as part of the territorial terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

What restrictions did the Treaty of Versailles place on the German army?

The Treaty of Versailles restricted the German army to only 100,000 men, demilitarized the Rhineland, and prohibited the formation of an air force.

What were the limitations imposed on the German Navy by the Treaty of Versailles?

The German Navy was limited to only six battleships with no submarines under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Which region's rich coal fields were given to France for a specific period according to the Treaty of Versailles?

The Saar region, known for its rich coal fields, was given to France for 15 years by the Treaty of Versailles.

What happened to Germany's colonies as per the Treaty of Versailles?

All of Germany's colonies were taken away and given to France and Britain as mandates under the Treaty of Versailles.

What was the financial obligation imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany was required to pay reparations set at 132 billion gold marks as per the financial and economic terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

Why was Germany not allowed to join the League of Nations after the Treaty of Versailles?

Germany was not allowed to join the League of Nations as part of the Treaty's terms, which also included accepting responsibility for causing all the damage and loss by the war.

How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the rise of Hitler and World War II?

The unpopularity of the Treaty of Versailles among Germans and the subsequent reversal of its terms by Hitler, both in secret and openly, contributed to the conditions that led to World War II.

What is the source recommended for further learning about World War I and the Treaty of Versailles?

For further learning, the script suggests watching other videos on the topic and getting a copy of 'Simple History World War One' available on Amazon.