Analyzing the Treaty of Versailles
US History 11
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919. It was made up of 440 articles,
most of which were detailing Germany’s punishment. Germans were shocked by
the treaty. Most historians agree that the problems created by the treaty directly
led to the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, and eventually to another world war.
The terms of the treaty can be classified into three groups: territorial, military, and
financial/economic.
In this assignment, you will look at some of the key articles of the Treaty of
Versailles, and analyze them. You can find a complete version of the Treaty of
Versailles at www.firstworldwar.com/source/versailles.htm
I. Terms: define each of the following terms, as they relate to the end of WWI:
War Guiltcompensation
Reparations
inalienable
Mandates
II. Analyzing Articles: For each of the articles listed on your data retrieval chart,
provide a brief description of what the article creates, or what punishment the
article creates for Germany. Decide if the article includes territorial, military or
economic terms. Also, decide if the article is a punishment for Germany, or not
Art
.
#
Description
1
It observes the international obligations and shall
accept regulations that may be prescribed by the
league of nations
Territori
al,
military
or
econom
ic?
Economi
c
Punishm
ent for
Germany
?
No
7
Building and other property was occupied by the
league or its officials
Territoria
l
Cede
territory
8
The council shall formulate a plan for reduction for
the consideration and action of the several
governments
Economi
c
They
don’t
have
choice
14
Court may give an advisory opinion upon any
dispute or question referred to it by the council
Economi
c
The
opinions
may not
be good
18
Council should immediately institute an inquiry into
the circumstances of the dispute and recommend
such action as may be deemed necessary by the
council
Military
They will
take
action
25
Will and trust the leak with the general supervision
of the trade in arms and ammunition with the
countries in which the control of the traffic is
necessary in the common interest
Military
Takes
control of
arms and
ammuniti
ons
Art
.
#
Description
Territori
al,
military
or
econom
ic?
Punishm
ent for
Germany
?
25
42
They wont let Germany build any fortifications on
the Rhine
Territoria
l
Cede
territory
45
Germany has to pay France for coal mines
Economi
c
Reparatio
n
payment
80
Germany respects Austria’s independce.Frontiers
may be changed due to the treaty
Territoria
l
No taking
over
119
Germany re-announces if the principal allied and
associated powers over her rides and titles are for
her overseas possessions
Territoria
l
Cede
territory
160
German military forces that shall not exceed
100,000 men the draft is outlawed
Military
Limit the
size of the
armed
forces
German Navy can exceed six battleship six wide
cruisers 12 destroyer‘s and 12 torpedo boats no
submarined were included
Military
Limit the
size of the
armed
forces
Description
Territori
al,
military
or
econom
ic?
Punishm
ent for
Germany
?
Art
.
#
198
Armed forces of Germany can’t include air forces
Military
Limit size
of armed
forces
232
Germany ever takes that she will make
compensation for all damages done to the civilian
population of the allied and associated powers into
their property during the period of he belligerency
Economi
c
Reparatio
n
payment
440
Germany excepts and recognizes as valid and
binding decrees orders concerning German ships
and goods. Not to put forward any info about riding
up of decrees/ orders on any German nationa
Economi
c
Reparatio
n
payments