Treaty of Versailles & German Problem

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Sarah Binks

Assess the extent to which the Treaty of Versailles solved the “German Problem” in Europe.

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28th June 1919. In article 231 it was stated that the responsibility for war was down to ‘ Germany and her Allies’, and thus they were to accept the full cost of the war. While at the time many viewed the treaty as too harsh on Germany, believing that the Treaty would cripple them, others argue that it left them in a stronger position then before the war.  Post revisionists like Sally Marks argue that the treaty was never enforced, and therefore any problems that negotiators had hoped to settle could not have been seen through.

The “German Problem” refers to the threat that Germany posed to other European countries. France in particular was fearful of a German invasion, which they felt they could not survive.

The Treaty was devised by the ‘Big Three’ all of whom had different aims. Clemenceau, the French Prime Minister, motivated by the devastating effects the war had on France (1.5 million military personnel lost, 400,000 civilians killed and damage to the French land) was intent on crippling Germany and ensuring that she would never be able to wage war again. British Prime Minister, Lloyd George wanted reparations, but did not seek to destroy Germany. Lloyd George did not want to see France benefit too greatly from the treaty, preferring instead to see a balance of power throughout Europe, with no one dominant power. However, the British public wanted Germany punished severely and Lloyd George knew that if he sided with Wilson he would lose the next election. Woodrow Wilson, as President represented America at the settlement talks and hoped to create an idealistic peace based on his preciously established fourteen points.

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In an attempt to solve the “German Problem” the treaty of Versailles stated that the German army could no longer exceed 100,000 men and conscription was to be abolished. Germany was forbidden ownership of military airplanes, submarines, tanks, heavy artillery, and poison gas and any German navy ships were to be given to Britain. Additionally, the Rhineland was to be occupied by allied troops for fifteen years. While Germany was forced to limit their military, none of the allied nations were expected to do the same. This would have meant that considering their limited military power Germany would never ...

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