Restrictions On Germany
Territorial COncessions
Germany had a number of territories taken away from it. This is what happened to them:
- To Belgium: Eupen-Malmédy
- To Poland: Poznan, West Prussia, and Upper Silesia
- To Czechoslovakia: the Hultschin District
- Returned to France: Alsace-Lorraine
- Returned to Russia: the territory taken in the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
- Demilitarized (not for long) and occupied: the Rhineland
- Under French control: Saarland
- Became a mandate: all oversea colonies
- Became a Free City: the City of Danzig
- Determined by plebiscite: Schelswig and parts of Upper Silesia
- To Japan: Freed Chinese territories
Military Restrictions
The military restrictions on Germany were severe. By March 31st, 1920, the German army could have no more than 100,000 men in seven infantry and three cavalry divisions, with fixed organizations. The General Staff was to be dissolved and military schools limited to three for training officers of each branch. Conscription was abolished and times were set for how long each type of military personal had to serve, to keep Germany from building up a large supply of trained personal. Privates and non-commission officers had to serve 12 years and commission officers 25. Former military personal could not attend military exercises. The German police was restricted to its pre-war state and paramilitary organizations forbidden. The military could not include armored divisions (tanks) or an air force. The navy was restricted to six outdated battleships, six light cruisers, twelve destroyers, twelve torpedo boats, and no submarines. The Rhineland (the area near the Rhine River) was also demilitarized and occupied by the Allies. The soldiers would remain for several years, then begin to withdraw. Still, Germany could not fortify or occupy the area with soldiers.
Unfortunately, Germany did not entirely comply with the restrictions. They researched and prototyped advanced submarines, aircraft, and tanks and the Truppenamt (the "Troop Division") hid the General Staff, who planned out a new type of war.
Unfortunately, Germany did not entirely comply with the restrictions. They researched and prototyped advanced submarines, aircraft, and tanks and the Truppenamt (the "Troop Division") hid the General Staff, who planned out a new type of war.
Weimar Republic
A Fledgling Democracy
The Weimar Republic was formed by the Treaty of Versailles and was Germany's first venture with democracy. It would be relatively successful, despite problems with extremists, debt, and diplomatic relationships. The government was primarily liberal and socialist, although there were communist, fascist, and nationalist movements. The democracy would eventually stabilize the nation, at least until Adolf Hitler's time, and minimize the clauses in the Treaty of Versailles limiting Germany's power and economy. The Republic was not popular with conservatives and when the economy down-turned the very democracy which had brought the first power to the people would bring a dictator and his party into power. This would end the Republic, as well as basic human rights for millions of people.
Where is Weimar?
Weimar, Germany: