Homework Question on The Allies’ Last Horrible Triumph
- Case Study : Versailles: The Allies’ “Last Horrible Triumph” This week, you will read the comments of the German Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference on the conditions of the peace which ended World War 1.
- You will find that document in the webliography.
- Many have argued that it was the way World War 1 ended which made World War 2 inevitable.
- Read the document and answer the following questions:
- According to the authors of Germany’s complaint, how will various provisions of the treaty hurt Germany’s economy?
- In Germany’s view, how would the country have been treated differently if the principles they attribute to President Wilson had been applied?
- To what higher “fundamental laws” does the document appeal to in order to strengthen German assertions?
- Do you agree with the authors of the document that Germany was being poorly treated?
- What response to their complaints might defenders of the treaty have made?
- http://college.cengage.com/history/primary_sources/world/conditions_of_peace.
Homework Answer on The Allies’ Last Horrible Triumph
The drafting and signing of the Treaty of the Versailles (supposedly) ended the First World War. This document, signed on June the 28 1919, had a varied number of reactions, especially on the part of Germany.
Financial reparations
Germany had to make reparations to the tune of 132 billion Marks. This amount, bearing in mind that Germany herself had incurred damages during the war, was not only counter-productive, but excessive as well. As such, it proved difficult for Germany to engage in internal repair, both economically and socially.
Surrender of merchant fleet
This fleet bore the responsibility of bearing trade goods in and out of Germany. The treaty required the surrender of this fleet to the Allies. This also hurt Germany because it was the second source of income. This fleet brought in foodstuff, house appliances, clothing and firearms. Giving up the fleet was equivalent to starvation of the home industries. The Allies could do whatsoever they wished with this fleet, including disposing of it. In addition, Germany received a ban from imposing taxes on all imports from the Allied regions, so income was cut off and Germany experienced losses.
Abandonment of German enterprises abroad
The treaty required Germany to give up all foreign interests, even those that were in regions allied to Germany. This proved disastrous to Germany; she was cut off from her allies, and this proved disastrous; in terms of trade and policy. Enterprises that operated in some of the Allied regions got deactivated after the treaty was signed.