13 h 34 min, 14 juin 1919 ans - Treaty of Versailles, Jun 1919

Description:

The treaty of Versailles was a document signed by Germany and France, Britain and the USA because it was made to prevent another war.

The German government had no choice but to sign the treaty. Germany was not going to sign the treaty however, the allies responded to Germany's unwillingness to sign by setting an ultimatum; where they declared that they would resume war, if Germany did not sign.

At the time Germany could not afford another World War due to economic and army resource problems. Also the people in Germany were starving; this was because the British used their sea power and naval resources to blockade Germany immediately at the start of the war in 1914.

The main terms of the treaty were:

Article 231, the "War Guilt Clause" Germany had to take responsibility for starting the war, which led to embarrassment for Germany as they had to accept the deaths of their German soldiers and for the rest of the countries military.

Germany had to pay reparations of £6.6 billion to Britain and France for the damage they caused.

Germany's armed forces were reduced from 250,000 to 100,000 soldiers. Also they were not allowed submarines and only could have 6 battle ships and only 15,000 naval personnel. As well as, tanks were banned and their air force abolished.

Germany lost 13% of their land and had to return Alsace-Lorraine to France including many others.

The army resented the treaty and the German government for signing it. They believed the treaty threatened the stability of the Weimar Republic. Also they did not like the restrictions of the army as tens of thousands of soldiers lost their jobs. Disbanded soldiers joined the Freikorps, which were right winged ex soldiers.

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