International International Relations, 1919-1939Relations, 1919-1939

‘‘Revision’Revision’

Treaty of Versailles - AimsTreaty of Versailles - Aims Everything is a mess in EuropeEverything is a mess in Europe Clemenceau wants revengeClemenceau wants revenge Wilson wants peace and his 14 points, Wilson wants peace and his 14 points,

including LoNincluding LoN Lloyd George wants decent Lloyd George wants decent

compromise to avoid war, but British compromise to avoid war, but British people want vengeance! (we lost a lot people want vengeance! (we lost a lot of men)of men)

Case for treating harshly strengthened Case for treating harshly strengthened by how Germany treated Russia in by how Germany treated Russia in Treaty of Treaty of Brest-LitovskBrest-Litovsk – stripped – stripped Russia of land and 25% population.Russia of land and 25% population.

Disagreements and Disagreements and CompromisesCompromises

Wilson has to give way to Clemenceau Wilson has to give way to Clemenceau on issues of Rhineland and coalfields on issues of Rhineland and coalfields in the Saar.in the Saar.

Lloyd George ok with treating Lloyd George ok with treating Germany leniantly – but does not Germany leniantly – but does not want Germany to have any navy or want Germany to have any navy or coloniescolonies

Point 2 of 14 points gives access to all Point 2 of 14 points gives access to all seas – this angers DLG – Britain rules seas – this angers DLG – Britain rules the waves!the waves!

The Treaty itselfThe Treaty itself

War GuiltWar Guilt Reparations – £6,600 millionReparations – £6,600 million German Territories and Colonies German Territories and Colonies

strippedstripped Armed forces – army of 100,000. No Armed forces – army of 100,000. No

conscription. No armoured vehicles, conscription. No armoured vehicles, planes or submarines. Only six planes or submarines. Only six battleships. Rhineland demilitarised.battleships. Rhineland demilitarised.

German reaction to the German reaction to the TreatyTreaty Lost 10 percent of land, all overseas Lost 10 percent of land, all overseas

colonies, 12.5% population and 16% colonies, 12.5% population and 16% coalfields, with over half of iron and coalfields, with over half of iron and steel industry.steel industry.

Outrage over War Guilt – did not feel Outrage over War Guilt – did not feel they had started the war!they had started the war!

Did not understand the defeat – had Did not understand the defeat – had been kept in dark about how bad been kept in dark about how bad things were.things were.

Also – treatment not consistent with Also – treatment not consistent with 14 points, which gave self-14 points, which gave self-determination to many countries – determination to many countries – ToV actually put German-speakers in ToV actually put German-speakers in other countries…other countries…

Impact on Germany:Impact on Germany: Ebert’s Government fragile – tips into chaos Ebert’s Government fragile – tips into chaos

when sign in 1919.when sign in 1919. Kapp Putsch – attempt to take over. Put Kapp Putsch – attempt to take over. Put

down by Berlin workers’ strike.down by Berlin workers’ strike. 1923 – French troops occupy Rhineland, 1923 – French troops occupy Rhineland,

forcibly taking the reparations – kill 100 forcibly taking the reparations – kill 100 people, eject 100,000 protesters.people, eject 100,000 protesters.

Government prints more money – leads to Government prints more money – leads to HyperinflationHyperinflation – very bad. – very bad.

Germans blamed the Treaty.Germans blamed the Treaty.

ReactionsReactions Clemenceau – not harsh enough. Lost Clemenceau – not harsh enough. Lost

election in 1920election in 1920 Lloyd George – hero’s welcome in Britain, Lloyd George – hero’s welcome in Britain,

but worried too harshbut worried too harsh Wilson – v. disappointed. American Wilson – v. disappointed. American

Congress refuses to sign.Congress refuses to sign. LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES – Leads to the LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES – Leads to the

Rise of the Nazis, and to WWIIRise of the Nazis, and to WWII Historians kinder now – best job in Historians kinder now – best job in

circumstances?circumstances?

The Other TreatiesThe Other Treaties

Germany’s allies have to pay Germany’s allies have to pay reparationsreparations

Treaties make Eastern Europe a Treaties make Eastern Europe a patch-work of new states.patch-work of new states.

BATH – Bulgaria, Austria, Turkey, BATH – Bulgaria, Austria, Turkey, HungaryHungary

Treaty of St. Germain 1919 Treaty of St. Germain 1919 (Austria)(Austria)

Austria separated from Hungary. Austria no Austria separated from Hungary. Austria no longer a leading power.longer a leading power.

Bohenmia and Moravia go to CzechsBohenmia and Moravia go to Czechs Bosnia-Herzegovina go into Yugoslavia w/Serbia.Bosnia-Herzegovina go into Yugoslavia w/Serbia. Army of 30,000 men, forbidden to unite with Army of 30,000 men, forbidden to unite with

Germany again.Germany again. More about sorting out Eastern European mess More about sorting out Eastern European mess

than about harming Austria. than about harming Austria. Italy thoguht should have had more land, but Italy thoguht should have had more land, but

many Eastern Europeans happy – self many Eastern Europeans happy – self detirmination.detirmination.

Austria’s economy bad – industry now in Austria’s economy bad – industry now in Czechoslovakia! Former Austrians annoyed, Czechoslovakia! Former Austrians annoyed, though – Austria loses its markets – formerly all in though – Austria loses its markets – formerly all in one Empire, preferential trading. No more.one Empire, preferential trading. No more.

Treaty of Neuilly, 1919 Treaty of Neuilly, 1919 (Bulgaria)(Bulgaria)

Bulgaria did well compared to Germany, Bulgaria did well compared to Germany, Austria and Hungary. Austria and Hungary.

Lost lands to Greece, Romania and Lost lands to Greece, Romania and Yugoslavia, and lost access to Yugoslavia, and lost access to Mediterranean.Mediterranean.

Limit armed forces to 20,000, had to pay Limit armed forces to 20,000, had to pay 100 million in reparations.100 million in reparations.

Many Bulgarians governed by foreign Many Bulgarians governed by foreign powers in 1920… though treaty less harsh.powers in 1920… though treaty less harsh.

Treaty of Trianon, 1920 Treaty of Trianon, 1920 (Hungary)(Hungary)

Similar to St. Germain – involves transfer Similar to St. Germain – involves transfer of territoriesof territories

Transylvania goes to RomaniaTransylvania goes to Romania Slovakia and Ruthenia to CzechsSlovakia and Ruthenia to Czechs Slovenia and Croatia to Yugoslavia.Slovenia and Croatia to Yugoslavia. Hungary lost lots of territory and 3 million Hungary lost lots of territory and 3 million

people. Industries suffer – no population people. Industries suffer – no population and no raw materials.and no raw materials.

Never paid reparations – no economy!Never paid reparations – no economy!

Treaty of Sèvres, 1920 Treaty of Sèvres, 1920 (Turkey)(Turkey)

Turkey important – strategic position, and size Turkey important – strategic position, and size of Empire.of Empire.

Smyrna to GreeceSmyrna to Greece Syria = Mandate (LoN under French control.Syria = Mandate (LoN under French control. Lost control of Straits into Black SeaLost control of Straits into Black Sea Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco get independence or Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco get independence or

controlled by Brits/Frenchcontrolled by Brits/French Not successful – Turks outragedNot successful – Turks outraged, Turkish , Turkish

nationalists challenged the terms of the treaty – nationalists challenged the terms of the treaty – drove Greeks out of Smyrna. Treaty of drove Greeks out of Smyrna. Treaty of Lausanne (1923) returned to Turkey.Lausanne (1923) returned to Turkey.

Suspect motives – France and Britian Suspect motives – France and Britian taking the land! Arabs who helped Brits in taking the land! Arabs who helped Brits in war gain little – Palestine controversial, war gain little – Palestine controversial, nothing settled (still not settled today)nothing settled (still not settled today)

The League of Nations

Wilson wanted a world parliament where leaders meet regularly

Britain thought could just get together in emergencies – similar organisation already called Conference of Ambassadors

France wants strong league with its own army.

Countries doubt people will behave as Wilson thinks, but willing to give it a try – had enough of war.

America does not join, because:

Trade could be suspended due to LoN sanctions – also America has to solve international problems no matter what the cost…

Many German-Americans hated the ToV Distrust of British/French Empires – why should

America get dragged in to protect Britain’s Empire and Colonies?

Do not want to lose any more American boys in other peoples’ wars.

The Democrats had been in power for ages – the Republicans wanted a chance to defeat them. Candidate campaigned on ‘Return to Normalcy’ i.e. return to life before war: ISOLATIONISM.

Aims of the League

Discourage Aggression from any nation

Encourage countries to co-operate, especially in business or trade

Encourage nations to Disarm

Improve living/working conditions worldwide.

Membership

USA not in. Britain and France most important countries.

YET: B & F weakened by WW1, and don’t have resources to replace USA.

Germany not in until 1926, leaves in 1933.

Japan leaves in 1933 Italy leaves in 1937

Structure – Issues with

Assembly – only met once a year, all decisions had to be unanimous

The Council – meets more regularly. Smaller group inc. Britain, France, Italy, Japan. Each of these permanent members has a veto.

There are no armed forces – reliant on members

Various Commissions and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – see your diagrams

Remember: League can do three things

Moral Condemnation – decide which country is an aggressor and tell them to stop!

Economic and financial sanctions – refuse to trade with aggressor

Military force – use armed forces of member countries to stop aggressor.

How successful was the League in the 1920s?

Successes: Upper Silesia & Aaland Islands, 1921

Bulgaria 1925

Mixed fortunes: Corfu.

Failures: Vilna, Geneva Protocol.

Social Work:

Refugees helped, PoWs sent home. Working conditions improved. Health Committee beats malaria by

killing mozzies Transport – produced international

highway code Social prolems – fought drugs trade,

slave labour and forced labour. Also combatted prostitution.

Agreements

Locarno Agreements – 1925: Germany agrees border with France is settled – last dispute over ToV – Germany joins LoN in 1926

Kellog-Briand Pact – Everyone agreed not to settle arguments by force.

1929 Young Plan – Reduced Germany’s reparations payments to manageable size.

Was the world safer at end of 1920s?

Yes – lots of agreements to disarm, LoN has had some successes

No – None of it is really effective, nothing is really agreed. LoN has fatal weaknesses.

Why was LoN Successful in 1920s?

No-one wants another war – too many dead.

Economic recovery – American loans finance Europe’s recovery.

More work, more money, more exports, more pay, happier people, no wars.

Why did it all go wrong in the 1930s?

IMPORTANT Wall Street Crash leads to Depression

Depression leads to the rise of the FASCISTS.

Fascists are angry people who are aggressive to other countries. This makes wars more likely.

Depression Britain has high unemployment and broken

economy. Unwilling to get involved USA won’t help economic sanctions if own trading

economy in mess Mussolini wants overseas Empire to distract his

people from rubbishness of economy Hitler elected in Germany to sort out depression,

basically. Japan invades Manchuria for more money. France concerned about Hitler, starts building forts

on border. DEPRESSION THEREFORE HIGHLY IMPORTANT.

Two types 10 mk Question on League

Biggest problem with the League

Answer by going through the League’s issues (what’s wrong with it) and showing how they made it impossible to deal with Manchuria & Abyssinia

Each weakness in turn, with examples from the Crises

Biggest problem for the League

Show how the Abyssinian Crisis and Manchurian Crisis showed up the weaknesses with the League, leading to its downfall.

Tackle each crisis in turn, with examples of League’s failings.

Manchuria.

Delay – had to send someone to other side world to look. Full year before present report. (Organisation/Decisiveness)

Japan Vetoes resolution against itself, then leaves.

Powerless – economic sanctions pointless without USA (membership)

Britain and France not going to risk war with ever-more-powerful Japan. (Lack of Muscle)

Disarmament

Why did it fail in 1930s? Nobody will risk disarming if

everyone else has guns! Hitler wants guns back. 1932 Disarmament Conference. Produced resolutions eg. No bombing

of civilians, no gas warfare. BUT NO PLAN TO ACHIEVE IT.

Hitler

Britain also kind of feels that Germany was treated unfairly originally in ToV

Hitler promises to disarm if everybody else does. Starts rearming secretly, 1933

Withdrew from Conference and then the League later in 1933.

Abyssinia 1935

Britain and France don’t take seriously – want to keep good relations with Mussolini

Signed treaty in 1935 with Mussolini vs. Hitler. Silly idea.

They then decide to get ‘tough’ as public are annoyed. Much talk of ‘collective security’ in League – nothing done.

More weaknesses

SANCTIONS WILL NOT WORK. LEAGUE TAKES AGES TO DECIDE TO DO

NOTHING. Worried Americans would nor support sanctions. Britain concerned will lose coal exports to Italy.

Britain and France own Suez Canal – Mussolini using to supply army. Britain and France could shut it, but won’t risk war.

F.A.I.L.U.R.E.

French and British self-interest. They looked after their own interests, not the League’s

Absent Powers e.g. USA & USSR Ineffective Santions Lack of Armed Forces Unfair Treaty – ToV to be enforced by LoN,

but many members thought unfair Reaching decisions too slowly.

Squid

Leage needs to be: Strong Quick United Interested Decisive

League fails because of:

Organisation/Membership

Lack of Muscle

AppeasementAppeasement

Why did the Allies follow the Why did the Allies follow the policy of Appeasement?policy of Appeasement?

See anyone you recognise?See anyone you recognise?

19331933

Hitler elected Chancellor of Germany.Hitler elected Chancellor of Germany. Why?Why? The Great Depression – nobody has jobs, The Great Depression – nobody has jobs,

everybody angry…everybody angry… ‘‘Stab in the Back’ – betrayed in WWI by Stab in the Back’ – betrayed in WWI by

politicians.politicians. Treaty of Versailles still humiliating.Treaty of Versailles still humiliating. Hitler offers opportunity to make Germany Hitler offers opportunity to make Germany

strong again.strong again.

What Did Hitler Want?What Did Hitler Want?

Abolish the Treaty of VersaillesAbolish the Treaty of Versailles- Hitler believed that the Treaty of Hitler believed that the Treaty of

Versailles was unjust. Too harsh, a Versailles was unjust. Too harsh, a humiliating reminder of WW1 defeat.humiliating reminder of WW1 defeat.

- By time he came to power, some By time he came to power, some terms had changed – stopped paying terms had changed – stopped paying reparations. Hitler aims to overturn reparations. Hitler aims to overturn the remaining points of the Treaty, the remaining points of the Treaty, however.however.

Expand German TerritoryExpand German Territory

Treaty of Versailles took territory away Treaty of Versailles took territory away from Germany. Hitler wants it back.from Germany. Hitler wants it back.

Wants Germany to unite with AustriaWants Germany to unite with Austria Wants German minorities in countries Wants German minorities in countries

such as Czechoslovakia to rejoin such as Czechoslovakia to rejoin GermanyGermany

Wants Eastern European Empire for Wants Eastern European Empire for LebensraumLebensraum – ‘Living Space’ – ‘Living Space’

Defeat Communism.Defeat Communism.

Hitler believes that Bolsheviks Hitler believes that Bolsheviks (Communists) had helped to bring about (Communists) had helped to bring about Germany’s defeat (with the Jews. He was Germany’s defeat (with the Jews. He was nuts)nuts)

He’s a He’s a FascistFascist – a militant, right-wing – a militant, right-wing Nationalist.Nationalist.

They like fighting Communists, and really They like fighting Communists, and really fear the Soviet Unionfear the Soviet Union

Worried Bolshies will take over Germany.Worried Bolshies will take over Germany.

Things Hitler does:

Please refer to the Appeasement revision table in your books – this has all the key information.

Overleaf you will find a summary of the steps of what Hitler did, and which objectives he was trying to accomplish:

1933 – Takes Germany out of LoN and begins rearming Germany – against the ToV

1935 – Massive rearmament rally in Germany – against ToV

1936 – Troops into Rhineland (against ToV)

1936 – Anti-Comintern Pact (alliance of the Fascist countries, Italy/Germany/Japan, vs. Communists) – (fighting Communists)

1937 – tries out new German military in Spanish Civil War (vs. Communists)

1938: Anschluss with Austria (expand Germany, vs. ToV

1938 – Sudetenland taken (anti-ToV, expanding Germany) (Munich Agreement, 1938)

1939 – Takes rest Czechoslovaia, invades Poland (expanding Germany, vs. ToV)

Note: Nazi-Soviet Pact signed by Stalin as scared of Hitler… they divide up Poland and invade together in September 1939.

Why Appeasement good idea:

Hitler standing up to Communism – should be encouraged

Britain’s Empire would not necessarily support war with Germany

Too many people died in the last war to risk another

Depression – everyone’s too poor for another war Treaty of Versailles IS unfair, so Hitler has a point USA will not support vs. Hitler – isolationist ALLOWED BRITAIN TIME TO REBUILD HER ARMED

FORCES, READY FOR WAR AGAINST GERMANY.

Why Appeasement’s a bad idea:

Encourages Hitler to be aggressive, as he always gets away with it

Puts too much trust in Hitler’s promises

Allowed Germany to grow too strong It scared the USSR – they see

France/Britain not acting, and sign Nazi-Soviet Pact.