|
|
The Effects of the Great War on Europe and the World |
|
|
The Treaty of Versailles was exceptionally demanding on Germany. Not only did the Treaty force Germany to accept full blame for the war, but the Treaty also crippled the German economy, military, and morale. The Allied powers required that Germany pay for the damages of the war, particularly the damages in infrastructure in demolished towns such as Ypres and Flanders in Belgium and many places in France, totaling £6 600 million. The German coalmines in the Saar were taken by the League of Nations, destroying German economy. In 1922, Germany pled their inability to make the payment on their debt and the League of Nations mercifully lessened the German debt. Nonetheless, the German mark lost almost all its monetary value. To prevent the outbreak of another war, the Allies stipulated in the Treaty of Versailles that the German army must be almost entirely disbanded. The infantry could include only 100 000 enlisted fighting men. These troops were forbidden to occupy the Rhineland. Instead, the Allies would send troops to occupy the Rhineland for fifteen years to make sure Germany was complying with the Treaty. Germany could have six major naval vessels, no U-boats, and no air force of any kind. Her economy crippled, Germany no longer had the resources to maintain her previous militaristic standard had she been allowed to do so. The German people were furious at these requirements. They blamed their government not only for signing the Treaty of Versailles, but also for bringing them into the war alongside Austria in the first place. Germans lost all pride in their government and in their nation. They were desperate for something to take pride in. |
|
||||||||||
|
|
© Julie |
