Topic (1.3) What was the impact of the Treaty on Germany up to the end of 1923?

Partial Progress - Circles (browser only)

Introduction

You may have already made some conclusions yourself of whether the Treaty of Versailles was fair or not based on the actual terms. You will now be able to evaluate fairness of the Treaty based on the impact on Germany up to 1923.

The immediate impact of the Treaty was clear- Schneiderman, the newly elected chancellor (prime minster) of Germany, actually resigned on the spot when he first read the terms of the Treaty! Ebert, the new president of Germany, managed to coax him back into government where they both reluctantly signed the Treaty. Ultimately, Ebert and Schneiderman had no option but to sign the Treaty because the British Navy were still blockading German ports and the people of Germany were starving.

One of the ‘specified content’ focus points is ‘Social, economic, and political impact of the Treaty in Germany to the end of 1923’. Therefore, it is essential that you have a secure knowledge and skills of explain how, why and how far the Treaty impacted Germany up to 1923.

Tasks

Start by watching this excellent video by Mr Hind’s History which gives a great contextual introduction to the German reaction.

WATCH – Impact of Versailles on Germany (YouTube)Links to an external site.

Read pages 14-15. Discuss the Source Analysis task with your observer. After this, aim to create a mind map, with explanations on WHY the Germans were so critical of the Treaty of Versailles.

This John D Clare article gives further explanation of why the Germans were angry.

READ – Why Was There Opposition in Germany to the Treaty of Versailles? (johnclare.net)Links to an external site.

Using pages 16-17, aim to complete a VERY detailed answer to Focus Task 1.4 on page 17. It is important to note that hyperinflation was not a direct consequence of the Treaty. Rather, it was a direct consequence of the French Invasion of the Ruhr.
This Mr Allsop video link is excellent to develop the issues of the Ruhr in some detail.

WATCH – Make Germany Pay (Mr Allsop History)Links to an external site.

Additional Resources

You might want to re-listen to this HA podcast on the reactions to the Treaty and add any details to your notes on the German reaction.

LISTEN – The Versailles Treaty (Historical Association)Links to an external site.

If you are struggling with the ideas and problems for the new German government, have a listen to this podcast here on the ‘Weimar Republic’.

LISTEN – What Were the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Weimar Republic? (Historical Association)Links to an external site.

As always, John D Clare is excellent in the material he produces. There are a variety of tasks you can complete on his site.

EXPLORE – Why Was There Opposition to the Treaty of Versailles? (johndclare.net)Links to an external site.

Explore and Extend for that A*/Grade 9

If you are hungry to find out more on Germany after 1923, please feel free to listen to his HA podcast.

LISTEN – How Stable Was the Weimar Republic Between 1924-29? (Historical Association)Links to an external site.

This excellent reading from the Wiener Holocaust Library offers a little more extension into the impact of the Treaty on Germany in terms of political instability in particular.

READ – The Weimar Republic (The Wiener Holocaust Library)Links to an external site.

Review

Make sure you that you are confident on at least three German criticisms of the Treaty of Versailles. Be able to explain what they criticised and explain WHY it was criticised.
It is essential that you can clearly explain the political, economic and social impact of the Treaty. Create a revision tool to support this.
Now check your answers to the coursebook activities on the Coursebook Answers [Not available on sample course] page.