The Versailles Settlement
The Versailles Settlement dealt with those countries that were
defeated by the allies in the First World War. The country most
affected was Germany, but Austria Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey were
also included in the settlement. A question regarding Germany is
whether or not the treaty was too harsh - unfair and only based on
revenge. Three powers were involved in deciding the settlement-
Britain, France and the USA. Lloyd George had the aim of disarming the
defeated powers-especially weakening Germany and their navy, but he
did feel that Britain should gain something for their war effort.
Clemenceau had three things in mind at the settlement; Revenge for the
loss of life, Compensation for the money spent during the war, and
disarmament. Wilson had wanted the general disarmament of countries
and felt the punishment for Germany should not be too harsh.
The Treaty of Versailles - regarding only Germany resulted in
territory being taken from Germany, most importantly the Polish
Corridor, as there was a great German speaking mass of land, which was
sorely missed. Alsace-Lorraine, Malmedy, Eupen, German South West
Africa and other territories were also taken from Germany. Military
terms of the treaty were that the German army be limited to no more
than 100,000 men. The navy was also greatly weakened, whilst u-boat
and air force were banned. Economic terms were that £6.6billion be
given from Germany, as a reparation to France. Politically, Germany
was humiliated and greatly weakened in their say. To decide whether
the treaty was unfair and simply based on revenge, one must consider
whether or not Germany was souly to blame for the war. If the answer
is 'Yes', then it is made far easier to justify a harsh treaty.
Germany had been responsible for a great loss of allied life, and also
a huge loss in resources. Germany had settled two harsh treaties
against France, including one after the Franco-Prussian war; this may
make a harsh treaty more justifiable. Also, Germany had rejected
Wilson's fourteen points, which justifies that the treaty be harsher