Nic and Derek presented their World War 2 project.
Adolf Hitler - Germany
Benito Mussolini - Italy
Winston Churchill - Great Britain
Franklin D. Roosevelt - United States
Stalin - Soviet Union
Tojo - Japan
1917 - Russians and Germans are fighting in World War 1. Russia got out of World War 1 because of the Bolshevik Revolution, Communist Revolution. Became communist and changed name to Soviet Union. Vladimir Lenin became the first leader of Soviet Union.
Austria-Hungary lost a lot of land in World War 1, became two different countries. Germany and Russia were the only ones still around after World War 1, a lot of land was still lost. World War 2 - Soviet Union (Russia)
Treaty of Versailles - Great Britain, Italy, France, United States were called the Big Four, sometimes called the Big Three because Italy wasn't as strong. Paris Peace Conference was held outside of Paris in the Palace of Versailles in the Hall of Mirrors. 1919 - Treaty was passed to end World War 1. Wilson's 14 Points were aimed at changing everybody. All countries should disarm. All countries should be in the League of Nations. Etc. Punished Germany severely because it was all aimed at punishing Germany.
Germany Consequences
Territorial
Germany lost a lot of land to countries that surrounded them. France, Belgium, Denmark, Czechoslovakia and Poland. All of the land lost, Hitler wanted to get back.
The League of Nations also took control of Germany's overseas colonies.
Military
Germany's army was reduced to 100,000 men. The army was not allowed tanks. Germany was not allowed an air force and allowed only 6 capital naval ships and no submarines. 100,000 men were trained and then sent home. They did this many times and then brought all men back when it was time for war.
The west of the Rhineland and 50 kms east of the River Rhine was made into a demilitarized zone (DMZ). No German soldier or weapon was allowed into this zone. The Allies were to keep an army of occupation on the west bank of the Rhine for 15 years.
Financial
The loss of vital industrial territory would be a severe blow to Germany's economy. Coal from the Saar and Upper Silesia in particular was a vital economic loss.
Combined witht he financial penalties linked to reparations ($33 billion), it seemed clar to Germany that the Allies wanted nothing else but to bankrupt them.
Germany was also forbidden to unite with Austria to form one superstate.
The effect this had on Germany was it put them into a big depression.
People turned to more radical ways like communism.
General
1. Germany had to admit full responsibility for starting World War 1. This was Clause 231 - the infamous "War Guilt Clause".
2. Germany, as it was responsible for starting the war as stated in clause 231, was therefore responsible for all the war damage caused the First World War. Therefore, they had to pay reparations, the bulk of which would go to France and Belgium to pay for the damage done to both countries by the war. The figure ended up being $33 billion.
3. A League of nations was set up to keep world peace.
The German Reaction to the Treaty of Versailles
There was anger throughout Germany when the terms were made public. The Treaty became known as a Diktat - as it was being forced on them and the Germans had no choice but to sign it. Many in Germany did not want the Treaty signed. German representatives there knew that they had no choice as Germany was incapable of restarting the war again.
At first, the treaty seemed to satisfy the Big Three (US, GB, France). Allies believed it was a just peace as it kept Germany weak yet strong enough to stop the spread of communism. It kept the French border with Germany safe from another German attack and created the League of Nations that would end warfare throughout the world.
When Wilson brought the treaty back to the US Senate for ratification, the Senate refused to sign it. Why? United states did not want to be involved due to isolationism so we did not become part of the League of Nations.
Most countries ultimately were unhappy with the treaty and results of WWI. Why? Germany - felt it was unfair and put them into a depression. United States - not happy with results of World War I and felt we were pulled into the war. France - thought it was way too easier and should be tougher. Great Britain - they were most happy with it because they wanted to get Germany's economy strong again because of trade. Soviet Union - they lost a lot of land. Everyone hated each other but depended on each other at the same time. World War I left a "bad taste" in everyone's mouth. Nobody ended up being happy about it.
Weimar Republic
New democratic government set up in Germany after World War I. President is elected by the people every 7 years. The president appointed the Chancellor (Head of Government) who runs the country day to day and has to command a majority in the Reichstag. Reichstag (Parliament) elected by Proportional Representation and passed laws. The public (all men and women over 20 were allowed to vote) elected the Reichstag and the Chancellor.
Austria-Hungary lost a lot of land in World War 1, became two different countries. Germany and Russia were the only ones still around after World War 1, a lot of land was still lost. World War 2 - Soviet Union (Russia)
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