Treaty of Versailles Clemenceau s Aims:

y y y y y y y y

Intense pressure from citizens to punish harshly Germans should have 100% war guilt Should pay a lot of money back Should be given Alsace-Lorraine, Saarland and Rhineland Military should be restricted Crippled so as to prevent ever being able to attack France again Fantasy of returning them to their original individual states Treaty to weaken Germany as much as possible

Wilson s Aims:
y y y y y

y y

Idealistic view of society wants collective security Self-determination in Eastern Europe Agenda to get rid of British/French colonies League of Nations so as to prevent another war in future 14 Points idea (No secret treaties, free access to sea, free trade, colonies have own say in future, disarmament, A/L to France, Poland to become independent, Self-determination and international organisation to work towards world peace) Treaty not too harsh on Germany (some territory loss, but shouldn t pay for damage to avoid resentful feeling) Lenient attitude as only involved in one year of war, fewer losses, no real understanding of horror or devastation to society

Lloyd George s Aims:

y y y y

Worried by rapidly growing German navy, wants to weaken this aspect of their military Wants to take over German colonies to prevent their Empire expansion Wants to continue trading with Germany, crucial trading partner necessary for industry Under pressure from citizens to punish Germany harshly in a time of election, puts on facade, portraying idea that will destroy Germany so as to get the public to vote for him, despite this being against his primary aim Treaty not too harsh on Germany

Terms of the Treaty:

y

War Guilt- Infamous Article 231 places 100% war guilt on Germany to mentally and emotionally destroy them as feel that dead died in vain and to provide moral basis for rest of treaty; can treat them harshly as war is their fault! Military- Army reduced to 100,000, Conscription banned (soldiers had to be volunteers), Not allowed tanks, armoured vehicles, submarines or aircraft, navy permitted 6 battleships, 30 smaller ships, 15 000 men, Rhineland became a demilitarised area (Germany not allowed to station troops in this area, west of Rhine or up to 50km to the east of it). The Allies could station troops here

Reparations- Forced to pay instalments of money of 6.6 billion dollars or pounds (not marks as weak economy) to pay for damage of war to land. This would destroy the German economy and was issued in 1921, initially expected to be finish paid in 1984. Territories: A/L to France ; Saarland to be under League of Nations for 15 years, then a plebiscite, in mean time France could mine coal ; Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium ; North Schleswig to Denmark ; Memel to Lithuania ; West Prussia, Upper Silesia and Posen were given to Poland to have access to the sea, forming the Polish Corridor, isolating East Prussia from the rest of Germany ; Danzig was made a free city under the League, which Poland could use as a sea port ; Anschluss was forbidden with Austria ; Colonies were taken away and given to victorious countries by League to look after as mandates ; Lost all land given to them under Treaty of Brest-Litovsk of Russia.

Conflict between Leaders: Clemenceau and Wilson disagreed over the Saarland and Rhineland terms. Clemenceau thought Lloyd George was happy to let the Germans off lightly concerning territory and military, which directly affected France, whereas he was more concerned to change their Empire and navy, which would directly threaten Britain, so he was being unfair. Lloyd George didn t agree with colonies having their own say and all countries have sea access, in Wilson s 14 Points. Reasons for German Anger:
y y y y y y y

Full war guilt on them: Harsh Economy totally ruined by sum forced to pay Loss of 10% land, 12/5% population, 16% coal, 50% iron and steel industry Angry at new Weimar Government ; Felt Diktat was forced upon them unfairly, stabbed in back by November Criminals, politicians who agreed to peace Feel surrounded without an army to defend themselves; loss of pride in army Self-determination never been and was unfairly putting Germans under control of others Felt insulted by not being allowed to join the League of Nations

Treaty led to Britain and France falling out over reparations, German anger, Wilson pinning too much faith in League of Nations. But brought peace, left Germany relatively intact and was much less harsh than the manner in which the Germans had treated the USSR. The Treaty failed to achieve its aim of restoring global peace. The Treaty punished Germany enough to want revenge, but not enough to stop her recovering and seeking revenge.

League of Nations Aims:

y y y y y

International Disarmament Prevent aggression and reach global peace through collective security Encourage co-operation between nations and mingling of cultures and trade to improve connections Improve living and working conditions of everyone Also aimed to return refugees to homelands, help global health by exterminating diseases, improve transport and help social issues

Covenant of 26 Articles Structure:

y

Assembly: This was the Parliament of the League; each country in the League sent a representative. They could recommend actions to the Council, vote on a budget, admit new members to the League, appoint temporary members to the Council, suggest changes to Peace treaties. Voting had to be unanimous and met once a year in Geneva HQ. Council: Met more often, usually 5 times a year and if in emergency. Included permanent members of GB, France, Italy and Japan ; temporary members who were elected on 3 year periods. Any dispute between members would be discussed by Council before getting out of hand. Each permanent member had a veto and would reach a mutual decision as to what to do. International Court of Justice: Based in the Hague, in Netherlands. Key to settling disputes, was made of judges from representative countries. Would make decisions on issues between countries and could give advice to the Council. However, it was weak as had no real way of enforcing decisions. Secretariat Civil service to record League meetings and write reports for different agencies (see secondary aims)

Power Flaws:
y y

Initially enforced by moral condemnation: Council/Justice Court would decide which country was the aggressor and would condemn this country telling them to stop doing something Economic sanctions would then be applied if necessary: Difficult to enforce in times of Depression as would not want to harm own economy further, would want to continue trading as much as possible and keep industries moving (happens in Abyssinian Crisis) ; US were a key trading member and weren t part of the League nor wanted to harm own economy so continued to trade with both Italy and Japan Military forces if necessary: Intervention from League s army was difficult as it was supposed to consist of soldiers from member countries but no country was willing to put forward their own men to die ; This meant there was no real way of enforcing their judgement

Membership Flaws:
y y y

y y

Germany and other defeated countries feel unfairly left out of this new group and leaves them jealous. USSR view it as a Capitalist club, a group of all rich countries and scorn this USA, despite their own President idea, did not join. Important as there had been a change in balance of power. League unlikely to work without world s greatest power. Isolationists. USA would have been able to provide an army for the League and impose trade/economic sanctions on countries such as Italy or Japan being their principle trade link. Would have been a massive advantage and League would have been able to utilise its power. Council can veto action against themselves GB and France left in charge. They were not as economically powerful as before, didn t want to be responsible for the entire world as their own armies had been weakened by the War. Continual, traditional hatred meant difficulty in co-operation.

Strengths: Increases in size, appears strong rules, membership increases (42 to 60), some major powers and successfully solves small scale crises (Aaland Islands) Weaknesses: Inability to use power, lack of certain key members, clash between GB and France, hard to solve larger crises and link to Treaty of Versailles Manchurian Crisis:
y

y y

Japan was a rising power in Asia and the Pacific, with a growing empire, a strong powerful military and industry. The Wall Street Crash and the Protectionist Policies which followed made trade difficult with the USA and made life harder. Admiral Togo ruled through the name of the Emperor and decided they needed to expand to protect themselves and rebuild their economy. China was a weak, oriental power which had collapsed into chaos and was ruled by moguls. Manchuria had key raw materials which Japan lacked, such as coal and iron. Japan had troops stationed there to protect the land won against USSR and protect their part of the South Manchurian Railway. This provided the perfect opportunity to easily invade and take the whole of Manchuria. September 1931, the excuse of an explosion occurring on the railway at Mukden. Japan claimed the Chinese government was too weak to defend from terrorists and that the army had helped them. China denied this by proving the army was at the barracks at the time. Japan said due to worry for assets; they would bring their troops in. China appealed to the League for support. Lord Lytton was put in charge of a Commission and had to go around the world to investigate. It took a whole year to publish his report. He found China in the right and that despite Japan having some legitimate grievance due to the political turmoil in China at the time, their army should be removed and Manchuria should become a self-governing state. Japanese claim they are doing this and set up a state called Manchuko which the former Chinese Emperor Pu Yi is in charge of; he is easy to control and is only a puppet leader. League members felt Japan were acting unlawfully and this lead to Japan leaving the League and invading the whole of China later.

No action taken because: Took a long time to reach there and carry out the investigation. Economic sanctions were difficult to impose as key Japanese trading partner was USA. Other trading partners didn t want to hurt own economy by stopping trade with her. Britain was scared for its fleet in Singapore and want to preserve friendship; France didn t want to antagonise Japan and would have to pass through mainland China and poor unity with GB. USSR could act but aren t part of League and are worried by Japanese strength. Japan in position to form huge mainland empire in Asia and alliance with GB and France has broken ; League fails to prevent aggression (is weak) and this encourages Hitler and Mussolini.

Abyssinian Crisis:
y

Italy a new country with few colonies and Mussolini wanted to resurrect the old Roman Empire. No other country wanted Abyssinia, he thought oil was there and some land was fertile. Revenge was wanted for defeat against natives in 1896 Battle of Adowa. Britain and France on good terms with Italy so wouldn t want to anger them (Defied Hitler s Austrian intentions, Key to British position in Mediterranean, Stresa Front) Uses the excuse that natives attacked and killed 30 soldiers in Italian Somiland area Wal-Wal (despite this being 50km into Abyssinia) and claimed he had been attacked. Italian army appear out of nowhere and use poison gas and air force to destroy opponents. Haile Selassie appeals to League who decide Mussolini is the aggressor which surprises him. Sanctions banned arms being sold to Italy, providing loans to Italy and importing from Italy. Oil continued to be sold to Italy as USA aren t members of League, won t stop trade in Depression and many Italians living in USA. Britain don t stop trading coal because afraid of British industry being affected. Suez Canal and Straits of Gibraltar aren t blocked as don t want to offend Italy and cause a full scale war. No long term sanctions but compared with Japan, Italy can be stopped. The Hoare-Laval Pact occurred behind the scenes, where British and French foreign ministers proposed a plan dividing Abyssinia, giving Italy 2/3 the land (fertile, rich bits) and Abyssinia limited to the barren, mountainous areas. Didn t work as Mussolini wanted all, Selassie wouldn t agree and it was exposed to the press. Shows that politicians are willing to put self interest ahead of the League and that Britain and France were undermining the League This . destroyed its reputation. Abyssinia became an Italian province, Selassie fleed having made a final speech condemning the League, the Rome-Berlin Axis formed (Italy and Germany became allies and this crisis provided the distraction to allow Hitler to remilitarise the Rhineland, key to his aims!)

Why Does the League Fail?

y y y y y y y

Self interest wins out Key members do not enter and key powers leave Nobody keen to apply sanctions in Depression GB and France couldn t co-operate together Everything happened very slowly Link to ToV meant lots of people hated it Collective Security did not work

Hitler s Foreign Policy Aims:

y y y y y y

Rearm Germany Recovery lost territory Unite all German speaking people under his control To expand Eastwards to provide Lebensraum (living territory) for his people Racism against Jews, Blacks, Slavs, Communists Anti Treaty of Versailles

Had to be clever to convince GB, win friendship of Italy and to get rid of France. Disarmament Conference:
y y y y y y

1932, Germans member of League for 6 years and many felt they deserved to be treated more equally than the Treaty Question was whether Germany should rearm or other countries should disarm 1920s showed that 2nd option was difficult but lots were reluctant to let Germany rearm July 1932; Germans proposed that other countries reduce to the same level as them. When the principle of equality was not agreed, the Germans walked out May 1933; Hitler promised not to rearm if other countries destroyed their arms within 5 years October 1933; Plans to disarm are refuted and Hitler walks out of Conference and leaves League. This provides the perfect excuse to continue rearming

Austria:
y y y y y

Wanted Anschluss Plays on fact that Austrian citizens want union and are part German Creates an Austrian-Nazi party who go for a coup (seizure) killing Chancellor Dolfuss Mussolini who wants more Austrian land, moves his troops to border, forcing Hitler to stand down as his army is not yet strong enough Has to get more friendly with Italy (Rome Berlin Axis, Abyssinia, Spanish Civil War)

Saar:
y y y y

Industrial area put under plebiscite in 1935. Mainly Germans lived there so was expected to be a German victory 90% vote for return to Germany Hitler claims only he could have brought this back to Germany and made it a huge triumph, declaring this to be the first of many Versailles rules to be reversed.

Non Aggression Pact With Poland: Jan 1934 Hitler signed a peace pact with Poland promising not to invade for the next 10 years. He hoped to weaken the existing alliance between France and Poland, red Polish fears of German uce aggression and provide the false facade of peaceful intentions to GB so they would feel assured he was acting in a peaceful manner. Rearmament:
y y y y y y

Initially starts in secret to build up an army for speed Then does it openly by playing with guilt claiming that other countries failed to keep their promises of disarmament Uses Depression as an excuse claiming he s only providing his people with jobs; not aggressive Plays on British sympathies who are scared of Communism and want buffer zone between them Germany s army builds up 1935 he stages massive military rallies celebrating German forces and reintroduced conscription in the same year, announcing a peacetime army of 550,000 men. New Air Ministry was to build 1,000 aircrafts Stresa Front was formed against German aggression but broke down due to Abyssinia

Anglo-German Naval Treaty

y y

Hitler exploited British sympathy towards them, who believed limits of Treaty of Versailles were too harsh and wanted a strong buffer between GB and Commun USSR ist GB allowed Germany to have a navy 35% the size of the British navy and to have the same number of submarines, which breached the terms of the ToV.

Remilitarisation of the Rhineland:

y

y y y y y y y y y y

Colossal risk as demilitarisation had barely been accepted by Clemenceau and the French were very wary of the German threat and would certain be enraged if Germany breached the terms of the Treaty and confirmed in Locarno Treaties of 1925. Key to Hitler s ambitions : If he is to expand in the East, he needs protection in the West Army and citizens aren t behind him. Worried about another war and don t want a failure. Army will remove him if the French had tried to stop them Europe distracted by Abyssinia Stresa Front breaking up France signed pact with USSR which Hitler turns around, claiming he feels intimidated by their aggressive intentions and should now be allowed to station troops in the Rhineland France distracted by elections France have constructed the Magino Line, a strong defense, so they can feel more secure Hitler proposes a 25 year peace in which they can demilitarise. This is a smokescreen knowing they will reject this and can use their reaction as the basis to continue remilitarising 7th March 1936- Troops march into Rhineland without any resistance- easy Reasons above mean difficult time so unable to react

y y y y y y y

GB feel only invading their own territory and reluctant to risk war No idea of German army size Successfully overturns key terms of treaty Can now expand into East Gains backing of army and German people Can set up defences in the West (Siegfried Line) Exposes weakness of League to not deal with their aggressive intentions

Anschluss:
y y y y y y y

Wants self determination, more Lebensraum, strong alliance with Italy, born there Uses Austrian Nazi party to stir up trouble Tries to persuade new Chancellor Schuschnigg to permit some Nazis into Government Intimidation leads to a plebiscite to be held to see if Austrian people want union Schuschnigg tried to rig by not allowing younger people to vote (more inclined towards Hitler) but Hitler sends in German troops to border forcing him to step down Seyss-Inquart became Chancellor and invited German forces into country and under their watchful eye to keep peace during the votes, 99.75% voted in favour of union Anschluss complete and Britain backs self determination despite being another breach of Treaty of Versailles. Hitler seen as great figure by Austria and makes a triumphant entry.

Appeasement: For:
y y y y y y y y y

Public opinion at time Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh Fear of another war ; horror of first war Fear of Communism Global, colonial commitments Bought time as Britain weren t ready for another War Pre-occupied with Depression and trying to solve unemployment issues Worried by destructive nature of Spanish Civil War GB s RAF cannot fly far enough to help Czechs; French are more defensive; USA not involved

Against:
y y y y y y

Feeds the appetite allowing Hitler to get his wishes and desire more and more Allows Germany to continue to build up and get stronger Not right as it allowed Hitler to break the Treaty and land was given to Hitler to keep him happy The League was weak and cowardly Chamberlain misjudged Hitler believing he would listen to reason but infact it encouraged him to press further with his intentions Appeasement caused opportunities to stop Hitler such as remilitarisation of Rhineland to be missed and doesn t actually stop war Alienated USSR who felt appeasement was aimed against Communism

Sudeten Crisis and Munich Agreement:

y y y y y y

y y y y y y y y

The Sudetenland consisted of German speaking people so Hitler felt he had a right to have that land Czechoslovkia was economically strong, good army, democratic, defendable land and Skoda company to produce weapons Konrad Henlein, the leader of German Sudetens, was ordered to stir up trouble among racial minorities German newspapers produced allegations of crimes committed by Czechs against Sudeten Germans Hitler threatened war if solution wasn t found 15 Sept- Chamberlain meets Hitler in Berchtesgaden Meeting. Hitler agrees to only take part of Sudetenland after a plebiscite. Clever move as this part was mainly German speakers so victory assured and portrays image of being diplomatic to Chamberlain Expected Czechs to refuse and would be able to invade and take the whole country with British backing They agree and Hitler is angry, claiming he will save all the German Czechs by taking the whole country Chamberlain returned to GB informing them of war Mussolini makes a final attempt to preserve peace calling for a conference in Munich GB, France, Italy and Germany meet and discuss and decide to give him whole of Sudetenland and Czechs weren t invited to conference Further meeting between Chamberlain and Hitler in which they agree never to go to war with each other and Hitler promises not to take rest of Czechoslovakia Hitler had got best bits, become stronger and again got his wishes Chamberlain was seen as initial hero, preventing war, assuring Britain of peace with Germany, bought GB time to rearm. But USSR angry and leads to their distrust in them. Delays war rather than preventing it

Collapse of Czechoslovakia:
y y y y y y

Country in chaos having lost 70% industry in Sudetenland. Hitler encourages Slovaks to demand independence Other parts are given to other countries (Teschen to Poland, Ruthenia to Hungary) The rest of Czechoslovakia was invaded as Hitler claimed he was afraid of Communism spreading End of appeasement as first time invades a non German area (so tears down facade of peace) and shows that agreements at Munich were worthless. Pact of Steel signed between Germany and Italy promising to stay with each other

USSR:
y y y

Only country which could realistically help Poland if Germany attacked GB and France had been very afraid of Communism and this led to Stalin being suspicious of them and eventually signing a Pact with the Germans 23 August 1939 Von Ribbentrop and Molotov signed the Nazi Soviet Non Aggression Pact

y y y y y y y

They agreed not to fight each other in the event of war in Europe In secret they agreed to invade Poland and Germany to receive 2/3 of land, USSR the rest and can invade the Baltic states and part of Romania For Hitler, gives him a walkover, more living space, no threat of another two front war For Stalin, buys him time to strengthen army, forms buffer land between Germany and USSR Not impressed by West who had been slow to gain their favour Traps GB and France in a war with Germany War now inevitable

Poland:
y y y y y y y y y y

Clearly would be Hitler s next target GB sign a treaty promising to help Poland if Germany invade them The Pact with USSR allowed Hitler to deal with Poland without worrying about a Soviet attack Appeasement policy portrayed that the Governments would go to any lengths to avoid War Guarantees of support to Poland in April 1939 were too late for Hitler to believe they were willing to go to War Poland was too far away from GB or France to actually provide practical support 1st Sept Germany invades Poland 2nd Sept Chamberlain demands they leave 3rd Sept GB declares war on Germany Poland conquered in 6 weeks

Responsibility for Outbreak of War:

y y y y y y y

Hitler s aggressive intents Appeasement failure USSR allying with Germany Poland signed an alliance with GB and France, resisting German demands and preparing for war Czechoslovakia s collapse LoN failure Italy s alliance with Germany