On June 29, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, thereby officially ending World War I. Under the Treaty's terms, Germany was forced to cede substantial territories, including Alsace-Lorraine. West Prussia was given to Poland, and the Polish "corridor to the sea" was created. The Saar, a coal-rich territory, was put under French control for 15 years, and the Rhineland was to be occupied by the Allies for 15 years and then permanently demilitarized. Germany was to maintain an army no larger than 100,000 men, with no air force, and a navy of 6 ships. Germany was also forced to pay reparations of 20 billion marks. Lastly, the League of Nations was created.
The peace of Versailles bore little resemblance to Wilson's "Fourteen Points." Wilson was committed to a relatively mild agreement, but Britain-- and even more so, France under Clemenceau-- demanded the harsh terms that were imposed on Germany. |
