Treaty of Versailles v. Wilson's 14 Points

Transcription

1 Treaty of Versailles v. Wilson's 14 Points Objectives: At the end of this discussion students will be able to: Identify and define the Treaty of Versailles and 14 Points. Compare and contrast the major points, purpose, and result of both documents. Write a short essay predicting what could be the outcome on the future of the Treaty of Versailles and why they believe this is so. 1

2 Discussion Points What was the purpose of the 14 points? Why did Wilson create each component of it? Break it down item by item and explain what it did. 2

3 14 points in the Basic Form There should be no secret alliances between countries Freedom of the seas in peace and war The reduction of trade barriers among nations The general reduction of armaments The adjustment of colonial claims in the interest of the inhabitants as well as of the colonial powers The evacuation of Russian territory and a welcome for its government to the society of nations The restoration of Belgian territories in Germany The evacuation of all French territory, including Alsace Lorraine The readjustment of Italian boundaries along clearly recognizable lines of nationality Independence for various national groups in Austria Hungary The restoration of the Balkan nations and free access to the sea for Serbia Protection for minorities in Turkey and the free passage of the ships of all nations through the Dardanelles Independence for Poland, including access to the sea A league of nations to protect "mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small nations alike." 14 Points speech in its entirety "Larry King" interviews person about 14 pts purpose 3

4 5 Major components of the Treaty of Versailles Legal restrictions Article 227 charges the former German Emperor, Wilhelm II, with supreme offense against international morality. He is to be tried as a war criminal. Articles tries many other Germans as war criminals. Article 231 (the "War Guilt Clause") lays sole responsibility for the war on Germany and her allies, which is to be accountable for all damage to civilian populations of the Allies. Occupation of the Rhineland As a guarantee of compliance by Germany, Part XIV of the Treaty provided that the Rhineland would be occupied by Allied troops for a period of 15 years Military restrictions: German armed forces will number no more than 100,000 troops, and conscription will be abolished. German naval forces will be limited to 15,000 men, six battleships (no more than 10,000 tons displacement each), six cruisers (no more than 6,000 tons displacement each), 12 destroyers (no more than 800 tons displacement each) and 12 torpedo boats (no more than 200 tons displacement each). No submarines are to be included. The import and export of weapons is prohibited. Poison gas, armed aircraft, tanks and armored cars are prohibited. Restrictions on the manufacture of machine guns (e.g. the Maxim machine gun) and rifles (e.g. Gewehr 98 rifles) Territorial changes: Germany laid claim to lands and cities that it viewed as historically "Germanic" centuries before Germany s establishment as a country in Other countries disputed Germany s claim to this territory. In the peace treaty, Germany agreed to return disputed lands and cities to various countries. Germany was compelled to yield control of its colonies, and would also lose a number of European territories. Reparations: The total sum of war reparations demanded from Germany around 226 billion Marks ( ) was decided by an Inter Allied Reparations Commission. In 1921, it was reduced to $31.4 billion (US $442 billion in 2012) 4

5 Discussion Points What was the purpose of the Treaty of Versailles? Who created it and why was it set up the way that it was? Break it down item by item and explain what it did. Treaty of Versailles explanation video Youtube 5

6 Discussion Points: Compare and contrast the major points, purpose, and result of both document. What are the similarities and differences between the two documents? What could be the outcome on the future of the Treaty of Versailles? Video Created by a High School Student to compare and contrast 14 pts. and Treaty of Versailles 6