Topic Two (1.2): Why did the victors not get everything they wanted?
Introduction
Topics 1.1 and 1.2 are relatively symbiotic and if you have finished topic 1.1 with a secure confidence of knowledge, you will be able to make strong links in your explanation of why the victors did not achieve everything they wanted.
One of the ‘specified content’ focus points is ‘The terms of the Treaty’. Therefore, it is essential that you have a secure knowledge on the various terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
For this module, it is important to be mindful of details as this question can form part of both part (b) and part (c) style questions. This means evidence and explanation will be key to your success.
Tasks
- Using page 11, summarise why it was inevitable that the peacemakers would clash. Aim to use some dual coding to enhance your notes and memory retrieval
- Now, it is important to have a secure confidence in your knowledge of the actual agreed terms of the Treaty of Versailles. For this, you need to make a very clear and detail revision tool on the terms using pages 12-13 in your coursebook. It really is essential that you are confident with the terms of the Treaty. Should you get a question on whether the treaty was fair or not, you will have to use the terms as evidence.
- Complete Focus Task 1.2 and 1.3 on page 13. Again, the key is to make sure you use clear and specific evidence to support your judgements and ideas.
- This HA Podcast discusses the Treaty. More importantly, it establishes how the Big Three viewed the finished Treaty. Make sure you have very clear notes on the reactions of the Big Three. Aaron Wilkes includes some great quotations from the Big Three!
LISTEN – The Versailles Treaty (Historical Association) Links to an external site.
- Lastly, John D Clare answers the big question here! Aim to summarise the key ideas.
Additional Resources
- If you are struggling with remembering the Terms of the Treaty. He is a good video from Mr Hind’s History Site to support.
WATCH – Terms of the Treaty (YouTube)
Links to an external site.
- For those of you who learn best through visual guides. Here is a map of Germany’s territorial losses.
EXPLORE – Map of German Losses (johndclare.net) Links to an external site.
Explore and Extend for that A*/Grade 9
- Giles Hill has created an excellent and detailed podcast on Reactions to Versailles.
LISTEN - Reactions to Versailles (Giles Hill)
This is incredibly detailed and develops reactions from a variety of countries and extends knowledge on the other treaties too.
Review
- Absolutely make sure that you have a clear revision tool of the Terms of the Treaty. Many of the terms should be ‘fingertip knowledge’. This means you should easily be able to list off at least five terms with ease.
- Revise these and get your observer to test you.
- Which peace makers were most successful in getting what they wanted?
- Who do you think was most satisfied with the terms of the Treaty and why?