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Christopher Wong
Continuity: surprising fact is the amount that the war did not change - i.e. Britain and France
kept their empires and continued with colonial policies; and nationalism remained a powerful
force in European politics.
Physical damage caused by the war: also had a negative impact on the European
economy, as large amounts of land and industry had been destroyed where the war was
fought. This meant that manufacturing output decline dramatically. Taken together with the
loss of trade and foreign investments over 4 years this left Europe facing economic crisis
in 1919.
Decline of Europe, rise of America: the European powers were indebted to America, who
saw her share of world trade increase significantly in this period. This signified the
decline of Britain and France as Great Powers, and the gradual emergence of USA as the
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Christopher Wong
worlds economic superpower.
Improved position of trade unions and workers: given the governments dependence
upon industry for military production during the war, workers and organized labor (ie. trade
unions) were able to seek greater social and political power. This led to improved pay
and conditions, and in Britain various social legislation after the war, including social
insurance benefits for unemployed workers and their families.
Improved position and social status of women: the demands of a war economy brought
women new employment opportunities in traditionally male-dominated roles, such as industry,
engineering and transport - in Britain, an extra 1.5 million women entered the workforce.
Though the wars end and the return of the men meant that women were often forced back
into the home, these new experiences increased their confidence and led to increasing
demands for more opportunities in the future. Women also gained greater rights in society
largely as a result of their contribution in the First World War - in Britain women were now
allowed to train for new professions such as architects and lawyers, while in many counties
women were given a political voice through receiving the vote.
Effects on Germany
The Treaty of Versailles
The terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which Germany had no choice but to accept,
were announced on the 7th of May of 1919. Germany lost:10% of its land, All its
overseas colonies (including Togo), 12.5% of its population, 16% of its coalfields, and
half its iron and steel industry.
Territorial Restrictions on Germany
Alsace-Lorraine returned to France.
No annexation of Austria allowed.
No annexation of Czechoslovakia.
No annexation of Poland and Danzig.
Lost all of its overseas colonies including Togo, Cameroons, Namibia, and Tanzania.
Military Restrictions on Germany
The Rhineland was to be declared a demilitarized zone.
The German armed forces can be no larger than 100,000.
No manufacturing of weapons.
No importing or exporting weapons
No poision gas.
No tanks.
Small navy, 12 destroyers, 6 battleships, and 6 cruisers.
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Christopher Wong
No Submarines
No military aircraft.