David Martinez

Source 1
Lady Germania chained to a torture pole. German political picture, June 1919.

http://www.greatwar.nl/versailles/germaniageketend.jpg 11/20/08

David Martinez

Source 2
With the armistice begins the humiliation of Germany. If the Republic on the day of its foundation had appealed to the country: Germans, stand together! Up and resist the foe! The Fatherland, the Republic expects of you that you fight to your last breath, then millions who are now enemies of the Republic would be fanatical Republicans. Today they are the foes of the Republic not because it is a Republic but because this Republic was founded at the moment when Germany was humiliated, because it so discredited the new flag that men's eyes must turn regretfully toward the old flag. So long as this Treaty stands there can be no resurrection of the German people; no social reform of any kind is possible! The Treaty was made in order to bring 20 million Germans to their deaths and to ruin the German nation. Speech on the Treaty of Versailles (April 17, 1923) Adolf Hitler http://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson_images/lesson424/Hitlerspeech.pdf 11/19/08

Source 3
French public opinion seems to be somewhat uneasy at the opposition which is being shown by the American Senate to the Treaty of Versailles, and more than ever inclined to appreciate the prompt action of the British Parliament in the matter. While it is hardly conceivable, continues Monsieur Saint Brice, that any spirit of party or internal rivalry should outweigh the importance of the mighty international problems settled at Versailles, and while it is impossible to believe, until the contrary is proved, that America is prepared to assume responsibility of making such an incredible muddle of things, he expresses the opinion that it is nevertheless desirable that the European Powers, if they do not wish to see their signatures dishonoured by the American Senate, should watch what is happening on the other side of the Atlantic Telegram from Sir George Grahame to Earl Cureon Foreign Office report on reactions in the USA to the Treaty, 29 July 1919 http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/pdf/g5cs2all.pdf 11/19/08

Source 4

David Martinez BEFORE GERMANY DECIDED: MASS MEETINGS IN BERLIN AND ELSEWHERE TO PROTEST AGAINST A PEACE BY FORCE There was great division of opinion in Germany over the question of signing the Peace Treaty, and before the fateful decision was reached, mass meetings of protest were held in Berlin and various other places. On June 19 it was reported in a message from Berlin that the Democrats and the Pan-Germans were still continuing their propaganda for the rejection of the Allies terms, and that Pan-Germans were distributing arms with a view to engineering a counter-revolution. Extracts from the Illustrated London News showing German reactions to the Treaty, 28 June 1919 http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/pdf/g5cs2all.pdf 11/19/08

Source 5
A German Comment The Peace of Versailles injured Germany deeply; but was the war worth while? Its immediate reactions have been most unsatisfactory [for Britain]. France and the United States have been strengthened politically in a way that is by no means to Britain's interest. Versailles, the League of Nations and separate treaties have built up for France a position of power in Europe that is most unwelcome. Economically, too, where Germany has been successfully competed with on the Continent, the profits have gone to France, not to British industry. Even more striking is the post-war ascendancy of the United States. It is the great gainer by the war, financially, industrially and politically. It has gathered in Europe's gold, in payment for war supplies; it is the creditor of the States of Europe and takes ruthless political advantage of its financial superiority. Financial power has further immensely increased American commerce; while British exports to all parts of the world have fallen, American have gone up. Where Germany has been driven from the field it has been to the advantage, not of Britain, but of America and Japan. While American industry expands, British industry, in its vital sections (coal, cotton), contracts. America has become the greatest financial magnate in the world.
Here is what a German thought about the Treaty's effect on Britain

Wilhelm Dibelius, A German writing for Germans about Britain (1921) http://www.johndclare.net/ToV6_British_reaction_sources.htm 11/19/08

David Martinez

David Martinez

TREATY OF VERSAILLES Questions 1. a) According to a Source 1, what was the lasting legacy of the treaty in Germany? b) What does Source 5 suggest about Germanys thoughts on Great Britain? 2. To what extent does Source 2 and 4 support the views expressed in Source 1? 3. With reference to their origin and purpose assess the value and limitations of Sources 3 and 5 for the significance of the treaty to the international community. 4. Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain to what extent you agree with the statement in Source 2, The Treaty was made in order to bring 20 million Germans to their deaths and to ruin the German nation.