In what ways, and with what success, did post-war peacemakers attempt to deal with the problems which produced the conflict? Specific reference should be made to two peace settlements.
Jennifer Felipe
October 10, 2008
Topic 21: In what ways, and with what success, did post-war peacemakers attempt to deal with the problems which produced the conflict? Specific reference should be made to two peace settlements.
Post-World War I peacemakers were quick to formulate treaties that would not only end the war but ensure for adequate measures to be taken to prevent future wars from occurring. Unfortunately the majority of the peace treaties that arose during the period after the First World War were very unsuccessful in dealing with the problems which produced the conflict, thus leading to further disputes and quarrels. In order to assess the success of the peace treaties, the problems which were to be dealt with must first be identified. Militaristic dominance, territorial greed, and nationalism were the prominent issues that were amongst a variety of problems that yielded to the conflict better known as World War I.
The victors (U.S.A, Britain, and France) of this global conflict were quick to assemble a peace treaty which they believed to be fair and appropriate in distributing the blame of the war. This treaty better known as the Treaty of Versailles (1919) ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied powers. A sharp term of agreements, it required Germany and its allies to take full responsibility for the cause of the war. To target the problem of militaristic dominance the treaty called for German armed forces to not exceed more than 100,000 troops, as well as its naval force limit of 15,000 troops, 6 battleships, 6 cruisers, 12 destroyers, and 12 torpedo boats. It also prohibited not only the manufacturing of weapons and poison gas but its importation and exportation as well. Tanks, submarines, artillery, and military aircrafts were also prohibited. In this aspect it was temporarily successful in diminishing the military might that Germany was beginning to experience pre-war, but such demands sparked German resentment and would later lead to defiance of the terms and revival of militaristic strength.