Why The Treaty of Versailles Was Such A Shock For Germany? (Documentary)

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"This is an Armistice that will last 20 years" That's one hell of a prophecy

"Youtube's advertising policies are about as effective for a war history channel as an Italian offensive in the Alps." sensible_chuckle.gif

I would say Versailles failed due to 2 things: 1) Germany's expectations for peace were conditioned by their near victory in the war. Their hopes were so high that the idea that they would be punished was unimaginable. 2) France's expectations were conditioned by them believing the alliance of 1918 would continue indefinitely. So, they expected that they could enforce the treaty terms with the full armed weight of France, UK and US.

Foch predicted war because it was NOT harsh enough to prevent a future war, but harsh enough to provoke one.

A greater understanding of WWI and its aftermath is critical to understanding WWII and its continuing aftermath.

Treaty of Versailles...overall 2/10 would not sign again

The biggest problem of Versailles is that the opponents viewed each other not as humans, but as enemies.

1815 - Europe says they will never have a war for 100 years 1914 - World War I 1919 - Europe says they will not have a war for 20 years 1939 - World War II

I've studied the Great War for half a century and this is one of the most concise presentations in any media that I've found. Excellent research and marvellously presented!

"Youtube's advertising policies are about as effective for a war history channel as an Italian offensive in the Alps." OOF

“One may deprive Germany of its colonies, depress its armaments to a mere police force, and depress its fleet to the strength of a fifth-tier power. Nonetheless, if it feels that it was treated unfairly in the 1919 peace, Germany will ultimately find means to force its overcomers to be repaid. […] In order to receive remuneration, our conditions may be strict, they may be harsh and even ruthless, but at the same time they may be so fair that the country to which we impose feels that it has no right to complain , But injustice and arrogance, displayed in the hour of triumph, will never be forgotten or forgiven. [...] I can't think of a stronger reason for a future war than that the German people, which must have proven to be one of the most powerful and powerful tribes in the world, would be surrounded by a number of smaller states, some of which had never been before stable government was able to establish itself, but each contained large amounts of Germans who wanted to reunite with their home country. " Loyd George For my taste the best quote.

Britain always seems to get a really great outcome in treaties while laying the blame at others (People blame France for Versailles when the greatest benefit went to England - no competing colonies and no navy).

The US Senate refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles; the US made a separate peace with Germany in 1921. Thus, the US had no interest in the enforcement of the treaty. The British thought the terms of the treaty too harsh and were reluctant to enforce them. The French sought revenge, but alone lacked the power to enforce the treaty. So the Treaty of Versailles insulted the Germans and barked at them but had no teeth to bite.

When you’re largely blamed for a war started by your ally...

Bulgaria signed its peace treaty at the townhall of Neuilly in Paris. I visited the place in 2017. Up to this day we say that Bulgaria was "chopped into pieces" back then... I hope that the wounds are healed and we can create a stronger and peaceful Europe.

I've always wondered, from a military point of view, what would have happened if after 7 months of peace British and French troops that had suffered so much for 4 years both mentally and physically and had just felt 7 months of peace were told to get back so to speak in the trenches and start fighting again. Especially if Germany left all French territory and made it overwhelmingly clear to everyone that as far as they were concerned the war was over. What then would have happened if Germany had just said no to signing. Would those same extremely war weary British and French troops, facing a Germany that had now left all French lands and made it clear they just wanted peace actually have fought. Would they not rationalize to themselves that fighting a now non aggressive Germany that openly sought peace not make them into what they had been fighting??? I think the allied generals would have a very hard time of it. Especially considering that there were already massive grumblings while the war was still being waged. How do you get men to suffer and die for reparations, for money???

"The Treaty of Versailles" or "How to make sure there will be war again"

"I was seated between Jesus Christ and Napoleon." - Lloyd George on Wilson and Clemenceau.

To be fair France were the ones who declared the Franco-Prussian War in aggression. Yes Bismarck goaded them into it but it was the French who fired the first shots