Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
How did the various sides react to the
Treaty of Versailles?
From January to June 1919, the world's most powerful politicians met and tried to work out a
peace settlement to end the Great War. The treaty that concerned them most was the treaty
with Germany. When it was finally announced in 1919, the Treaty of Versailles provoked very
mixed reactions.
In this case study you are going to examine a selection of sources which will help you understand how and why the Treaty of Versailles inspired a range of different responses.
You will probably find it helpful to study the Background before you
start looking at the sources.
Use the Worksheet as you look through the sources.
Sources
German reactions to
the Treaty, June
1919
US reaction to the
Treaty, June 1919
Reactions to the
Treaty in French
newspapers
British newspapers
on the Treaty
Foreign Office report
on reactions in the
US
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
Page 1
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 1
Extracts from the Illustrated London News showing German reactions to the Treaty, 28
June 1919
(Catalogue ref: ZPER 34/154, reproduced by permission of the Illustrated London News
Picture Library)
1a
1b
1c
How to use this source:
Study this source carefully. It contains information that could be helpful in deciding why it was
so hard to make peace. As you study the source, ask yourself:
z According to this source, how did Germans react to the announcement of the terms of the
Treaty?
z What actions were opponents of the Treaty planning?
z What does this source suggest about the strength of opinion towards the Treaty?
z Some politicians in France and Britain claimed that a small minority was stirring up
opposition to the Treaty in Germany. Does this source support or contradict that view?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
Page 2
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 1a
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Page 3
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 1b
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Page 4
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 1c
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 2
Newspaper extracts describing reaction in the USA to the Treaty, 29 June 1919
(The New York Times)
How to use this source:
Study this source carefully. It contains information that could be helpful in deciding why it was
so hard to make peace. As you study the source, ask yourself:
z Do you get the impression that this newspaper was celebrating the Treaty?
z What problems or difficulties are revealed in the headlines?
z According to this source, how much opposition is there towards the Treaty and President
Wilson's idea of a League of Nations?
z Does the New York Times think that the US Senate will accept the Treaty?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 2
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
Page 7
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 3
Extracts from a Foreign Office report describing reactions to the Treaty in French newspapers, June - August 1919
(Catalogue ref: FO 608/125)
3a
3b
3c
How to use this source:
Study this source carefully. It contains information that could be helpful in deciding why it was
so hard to make peace. As you study the source, ask yourself:
z Looking at extract 3a, would you agree that the Treaty produced mixed reactions in
France?
z According to extract 3b, what opinion had General Smuts expressed?
z What did French people think of Smuts' views?
z Looking at extract 3c, which aspects of the Treaty are the French happy with?
z Which aspects are they unhappy about?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
Page 8
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 3a
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Page 9
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 3b
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Page 10
Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 3c
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 4
Extracts from British newspapers commenting on the Treaty, 30 June 1919
(By permission of the British Library)
4a
4b
How to use this source:
Study this source carefully. It contains information that could be helpful in deciding why it was
so hard to make peace. As you study the source, ask yourself:
z Looking at source 4a, what kind of welcome did British Prime Minister Lloyd George
receive?
z What does this suggest about the attitude in Britain towards the Treaty?
z In what ways does source 4b present a differing view of the Treaty?
z The cartoon relies heavily on sarcasm. How is it used?
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 4a
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 4b
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 5
Foreign Office report on reactions in the USA to the Treaty, 29 July 1919
(Catalogue ref: FO 608/175)
How to use this source:
Study this source carefully. It contains information that could be helpful in deciding why it was
so hard to make peace. As you study the source, ask yourself:
z What is worrying French public opinion?
z How are the European and American political systems different and why is this worrying
the French?
z What is the internal rivalry Monsieur Saint Brice is concerned about?
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
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Making peace > Reaction to Treaty of Versailles
Source 5
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/greatwar/
Page 16