Compromises by the Big Three at Versailles (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History)

Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Terms of the Treaty of Versailles

The Military Terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Article Number

Description of Term

Impact on Germany

42

The Rhineland (an area in Western Germany that bordered France) became demilitarised. Allied troops were stationed there until 1930

Germany was not allowed to have soldiers in the Rhineland. This made them vulnerable to an invasion from France

160

Germany’s army was restricted to 100,000 men

Many ex-soldiers became unemployed

181

Germany’s navy was restricted to six battleships and could not have submarines

Germany became weaker. They could not develop the military technology that other countries had

198

Germany was not allowed to have an air force

The Territorial Terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Article Number

Description of Term

Impact on Germany

45

France was given the area of the Saar, with its coalfields, for 15 years

Germany lost 15% of their coal resources. This affected their economy

51

Alsace-Lorraine became a part of France again

Germany did not have a buffer between themselves and France any more

80

Anschluss (the union between Germany and Austria) was forbidden

Austria was a part of Germany’s cultural identity. Many Austrians considered themselves to be German

87

Germany lost Posen and West Prussia, which allowed the Allies to create a ‘Polish Corridor’. This gave Poland access to the sea

The ‘Polish Corridor’ divided Germany into two. Roughly one million Germans came under Polish rule

199

France and Britain ruled all 11 of Germany’s colonies in Africa and the Far East as mandates

Germany’s reputation as a global power was destroyed. They had fewer items to trade with other countries

The Political and Economic Terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Article Number

Description of Term

Impact on Germany

1-26

The League of Nations was created, but Germany was not allowed to join

Germany felt excluded from world politics. They were more likely to resort to violence to resolve disputes

231

The ‘War Guilt’ Clause. Germany had to agree that they started the First World War. The clause made Germany accept responsibility for the deaths and destruction during wartime

This clause created the most anger among the German population. They felt it was unfair to take all of the blame for the atrocities caused by the First World War

232

Germany would have to pay the Allies reparations as a condition of their surrender. The amount was set at 132 billion gold marks (£6.6 billion). Germany had until 1980 to pay the debt

This amount would be enough to bankrupt Germany, especially as the territorial terms reduced their ability to trade

Worked Example

Why were the German people unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles? 

6 marks

Partial answer:

One reason why the German public was unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles was because of the amount of reparations that Germany was expected to pay (1). The Treaty of Versailles demanded that Germany pay 132 billion gold marks or £6.6 billion to the Allies (1). This created unhappiness in Germany because this amount was considered to be far too high (1). The amount was enough to bankrupt Germany, affecting the prosperity of the German people (1).

Examiner Tips and Tricks

In Paper One, ‘explain why’ questions are worth either six or ten marks. For full marks in this question, an examiner is looking for two fully explained reasons as to why the German people were unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles. Use the PEE structure in your answer:

  • P - Make a point about the question

  • E - Use evidence that supports the point that you have made

  • E - Explain why this evidence caused unhappiness in Germany. Avoid repeating the point again. Explain how this factor caused the German people to be unhappy with the Treaty of Versailles

The Compromises Made by the Big Three

An illustration showing the conflicts and resolutions between the Big Three
An illustration showing the conflicts and resolutions between the Big Three

Areas of Compromise Between the Big Three

Clemenceau

Wilson

Lloyd George

Military compromises

Did not believe that the treaty restricted Germany’s army enough

Britain’s naval supremacy meant that Wilson abandoned the idea of free navigation of the seas

Territorial compromises

The Rhineland was not given to France. The Allies demilitarised the area

Forced to allow Britain and France to increase their empires

Reluctantly agreed to the independence of Eastern European nations like Latvia and Bulgaria

Political and economic compromises

Wanted to set the reparation payments higher

Germany was not allowed to join the League of Nations

Worried about the reactions of Germans under the control of France and Poland

Examiner Tips and Tricks

A question may ask you to explain how far you agree that Wilson was the most satisfied with the Treaty of Versailles. This is a ten-mark question in Paper One. When approaching this style of question, consider:

  • Provide a balanced argument. You should have a minimum of three explanations (two on one side; one on the other)

  • The strength of both sides of the argument. Wilson achieved self-determination for Eastern European countries. However, Wilson had to compromise with Clemenceau and Lloyd George by allowing them to take Germany’s overseas colonies and expand their empires. Therefore, Wilson was not happy as he did not achieve all of his aims for self-determination

  • Concluding your thoughts with a reflection on the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement. Use words like 'partially' or 'fully' to explain this

Why Did the Big Three Have to Compromise?

  • No leader could achieve everything they wanted from the Treaty of Versailles because:

    • Each leader of the Big Three had different aims and motives 

    • Each leader had different public pressure

      • Britain and France suffered a large amount of casualties during the First World War

        • Lloyd George had won the 1918 election on the campaign to ‘make Germany pay’

        • Over two-thirds of the French Army died or were wounded in the First World War. The French wanted to impose severe punishment on Germany

  • The USA did not want revenge on Germany because they had not suffered as much in the First World War

    • They joined the war in 1917, much later than the other Allied countries

    • No fighting occurred on US soil

    • The USA suffered less in terms of casualties

    • Before entering the First World War, the USA gave loans to Allied countries

      • At the end of the conflict, the USA began to recall its loans

      • The repayments made the US economy boom

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. It’s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.