The terms of the Treaty of Versailles Cambridge IGCSE History revision
Not started
Learn it
In plain words
The Germans were handed the treaty in May 1919 and told to sign. It ran to 440 articles. Five of them explain most of what went wrong in Europe over the next twenty years.
10 things to know
- The Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919. Germany had no say in the terms.
- War guilt: under Article 231, Germany had to accept the blame for starting the war.
- Reparations: Germany had to pay for the damage caused by the war. In 1921 the amount was fixed at £6.6 billion.
- Armed forces: the army was limited to 100 000 men, with no conscription. Germany was allowed no tanks, no submarines and no air force, and only six battleships.
- The Rhineland, the part of Germany along the French border, was demilitarised. No German troops were allowed there.
- Territory in Europe: Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France. Land was given to Poland, including the Polish Corridor, which cut East Prussia off from the rest of Germany. Danzig became a free city. The Saar was put under the League of Nations for 15 years.
- Germany was forbidden to unite with Austria. A union of the two is called Anschluss.
- Germany lost all its overseas colonies, which were handed to the victors to run as mandates.
- Altogether Germany lost about 10% of its land, 12.5% of its population, 16% of its coalfields and almost half of its iron and steel industry.
- The Treaty also set up the League of Nations. Germany was not allowed to join at first.
Worked example
Describe the military terms of the Treaty of Versailles. This is a "describe" question worth 4 marks.
- Each correct, specific point earns a mark, so give four or more.
- The army was cut to 100 000 men, and conscription was banned.
- Germany could have no tanks, no submarines and no air force. The navy was limited to six battleships.
- The Rhineland was demilitarised.
Tips and tricks
- Sort the terms into five headings: blame, reparations, armed forces, territory, League. A question usually asks for one heading, and you need the detail for it.
- Learn the figures: 100 000 men, six battleships, £6.6 billion, 15 years for the Saar. Precise numbers earn "describe" marks quickly.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The terms of the Treaty of Versailles: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?
The armistice was in November 1918. The Treaty came seven months later.
What size was the German army limited to?
Conscription was banned as well.
What did Article 231 state?
It is known as the war guilt clause.
What was the Rhineland to be under the Treaty?
No German troops were allowed there.
What was the Polish Corridor?Stretch
It gave Poland access to the sea, and it split Germany in two.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 14 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The terms of the Treaty of Versailles
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 14 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What did Germany lose in territory under the Treaty of Versailles?[4]
Show answerHide answer
Any four: Alsace-Lorraine to France; West Prussia and Posen to Poland, forming the Polish Corridor; Danzig, which became a free city; the Saar, under League control for 15 years; all its overseas colonies; about 10% of its land in total.
Describe the restrictions placed on Germany's armed forces.[4]
Show answerHide answer
The army was limited to 100 000 men. Conscription was banned. No tanks, submarines or air force were allowed. The navy was limited to six battleships. The Rhineland was demilitarised.
Why did the Treaty include the war guilt clause?[6]
Show answerHide answer
The Allies, especially France, blamed Germany for starting the war. Making Germany accept blame gave a legal basis for demanding reparations: if Germany was responsible, it should pay for the damage. It also satisfied public opinion in Britain and France, where people wanted Germany held to account for their losses.
Answers: The terms of the Treaty of Versailles
- 1. Any four: Alsace-Lorraine to France; West Prussia and Posen to Poland, forming the Polish Corridor; Danzig, which became a free city; the Saar, under League control for 15 years; all its overseas colonies; about 10% of its land in total.
- 2. The army was limited to 100 000 men. Conscription was banned. No tanks, submarines or air force were allowed. The navy was limited to six battleships. The Rhineland was demilitarised.
- 3. The Allies, especially France, blamed Germany for starting the war. Making Germany accept blame gave a legal basis for demanding reparations: if Germany was responsible, it should pay for the damage. It also satisfied public opinion in Britain and France, where people wanted Germany held to account for their losses.