Study source A and then answer all of the questions that follow.
Source A Friedrich Ebert, President of Germany in 1920, comments on the Treaty of Versailles.
We shall never forget those Germans who are to be severed from us. They will be torn from the Reich (Empire), but they will not be torn from our hearts.
1) The main decisions at Versailles were taken by the leaders of the three greatest countries that attended: Clemenceau for France, Lloyd George for Britain and Wilson for the USA. Describe the aims of the Big three. (4 marks)
2) Source A suggests one reason why Germany objected to the land it lost at Versailles. Do you agree that this was the main reason for German opposition to the territorial terms of the treaty? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source as well as using its content and your knowledge. (6 marks) 3) Which was a more important reason for the weakness of the League of Nations: The membership of the League – 1933-1939 The organisation and powers of the League of Nations? You must refer to both reasons when explaining your answer.
Model Answer Written up by Chris Madders (December 2011) Chris achieved an A* by;
Sticking to the point of the question Writing his own view (a summary) where required Considering arguments for and against the statements made in the question
Key points have been placed in bold, where Chris picked up his marks.
Question 1 The reason for the Treaty of Versailles was to find a suitable punishment for Germany. Clemenceau wanted to stress the importance of Germany’s punishment as revenge for past German – French conflict. He wanted Germany stripped of its military power and land. Lloyd George did not want to punish Germany too harshly as he feared it may lead to another War. However, he wanted to secure Britain’s naval supremacy. Wilson did not want to blame the War on Germany as he felt it was unfair. He was after world peace and suggested the setting up of the League of Nations.
Question 2 In source A, Friedrich Albert says “They will be torn from the Reich but they will not be torn from our hearts”. He is commenting on the German people who will be living on land taken away from Germany. – (This is a very good start) This was an important aspect of the German opposition to the territorial part of the Treaty, but other reasons are also important. (Now Chris is setting himself up nicely for a discussion – He is picking apart the Question) Some parts of Germany were rich in coal. This land was important to the German economy. They lost the Saar to France. Alsace Lorraine was another piece of land given to the French. It was symbolic to German strength over the French. (Now Chris is suggesting it is also about pride) The Rhineland was on the border of Germany and France. However, Germany was not allowed any military equipment there. This meant their first line of defence against French aggression was powerless (Now Chris had suggested they are upset about self- defence)
I believe these economic and military drawbacks were more important in the German opposition than the people they lost. Note: Chris has now summed up his view and justified it. He could have added that taking blame for the War and reparations also upset Germany, but he has written enough and justified enough for a 6 mark answer
Question 3 The League of Nations had many weaknesses that caused it to fail. Membership was critical to the League as Russia, America and Germany, three countries with military strength were not members which lowered the League’s potential power. America in the 1920’s was incredibly wealthy and could have been an invaluable asset to the League but they wished not to get involved in European affairs. Under organisation, the League was also especially weak. Each nation had the power to veto – which made it almost impossible for the League to reach mutual decisions. The Assembly of the League met only once a year. This made it impossible for the League to intervene in time. It took almost a year for example for the League to send in a report on the Manchurian Crisis. Regarding their power, the League had no army so there was no force to enforce their laws. I believe that the organisation and lack of power of the League were more critical reasons for the League’s failure than its membership; though both were linked.