1.

Question

Which of the following was a key provision of the Treaty of Versailles?

The establishment of global colonial empires

The expansion of Germany's borders and military strength

The creation of the United States as the world’s dominant military power

The dismantling of Germany’s military and the imposition of reparations
2.
Primary Source 3: Excerpt from a letter written by a German citizen in 1919
"The news of the Treaty of Versailles has been devastating. Our country has been stripped of land, and the economic burden of reparations is overwhelming. How could our leaders sign such an agreement? The future looks uncertain for us."

What does this letter suggest about the reactions of German citizens to the Treaty of Versailles?

Germans generally supported the treaty, seeing it as a way to ensure peace in Europe

Germans were indifferent to the treaty and focused on recovering from the war

Many Germans felt betrayed and were upset by the harsh terms of the treaty, particularly the reparations and territorial losses

Citizens believed the treaty would improve their country's international standing
3.
What was the main goal of Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

To expand the territorial boundaries of European nations

To impose severe punishment on Germany for starting the war

To promote military alliances between major world powers

To establish a framework for lasting peace and prevent future wars
4.
Which of the following was a reason the United States did not join the League of Nations after World War I?

The U.S. was focused on internal reconstruction and expansion

he League of Nations did not include the U.S. as a permanent member

The U.S. wanted to remain neutral and avoid future alliances

The Senate rejected the treaty due to concerns over losing sovereignty and being involved in future European conflicts
5.
What slogan would best express Georges Clemenceau’s motives at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?

“Down with Autocracy”

“Peace at Last”

“Revenge! Sweet Revenge!”

“Give Them Bread”
6.
Primary source 4: Political cartoon

Collections :: Treaty of Versailles | Smithsonian Learning Lab

The cartoon shows Germany, personified as a figure, crushed beneath a massive sack labeled "Reparations $55,000,000,000. Germany makes a helpless, shrugging gesture."

What is the main message conveyed by this political cartoon?

The cartoon shows that Germany is thriving and able to easily handle the reparations imposed by the Allies.

The cartoon suggests that the reparations were not significant enough and should have been higher to ensure Germany's full responsibility.

The cartoon depicts Germany’s victory and the imposition of reparations as a fair and deserved punishment.

The cartoon suggests that Germany is being overwhelmed and crippled by the massive reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
7.
Primary Source 1: Excerpt from Woodrow Wilson's speech to Congress (1918)
"The United States will not seek to profit from the war, but instead, we want to establish peace that is just and lasting. We must have a peace that is based on the principle of equal rights for all nations, large and small, and a commitment to self-determination."

What was Woodrow Wilson emphasizing in this speech regarding the post-war world?

The requirement for nations to submit to the rule of the League of Nations

The need for a just and lasting peace based on self-determination for all nations

The desire to create large empires controlled by the victorious powers

The importance of punishing Germany severely to ensure future peace
8.
Primary Source 2: Excerpt from the Treaty of Versailles (1919)
"Germany shall be responsible for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments have been subjected as a result of the war."

What does this excerpt reveal about the attitude of the Treaty of Versailles towards Germany?

Germany was largely absolved of blame, and only required minor reparations

Germany was held solely responsible for the war and its consequences, leading to heavy reparations

The treaty encouraged Germany to form an alliance with the Allied powers

Germany was given equal responsibility for both sides’ actions during the war

Answer 1

Here are the answers to each question based on historical context:

1. The dismantling of Germany’s military and the imposition of reparations - This was a key provision of the Treaty of Versailles, aimed at limiting Germany's ability to wage war in the future.

2. Many Germans felt betrayed and were upset by the harsh terms of the treaty, particularly the reparations and territorial losses - The letter suggests widespread discontent and a feeling of betrayal among Germans regarding the treaty's terms.

3. To establish a framework for lasting peace and prevent future wars - Wilson's Fourteen Points aimed to create a just and equitable peace to avoid another major conflict.

4. The Senate rejected the treaty due to concerns over losing sovereignty and being involved in future European conflicts - This was a significant reason why the U.S. did not join the League of Nations.

5. “Revenge! Sweet Revenge!” - This slogan reflects Clemenceau's motivation, as he sought to impose harsh penalties on Germany as part of France's strategy to ensure security.

6. The cartoon suggests that Germany is being overwhelmed and crippled by the massive reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. - The image illustrates the burden placed on Germany due to the reparations.

7. The need for a just and lasting peace based on self-determination for all nations - Wilson emphasized the importance of fairness and the principle of self-determination in shaping the post-war world.

8. Germany was held solely responsible for the war and its consequences, leading to heavy reparations - This excerpt indicates the punitive nature of the Treaty of Versailles towards Germany, holding it entirely responsible for the war.