There were many different reactions to the peace settlement of 1919–20.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Many did not like the League of Nations.
2. [1] Many thought the League would drag the USA into European wars.
3. [1] The Senate rejected the treaty.
4. [1] Some did not like Britain and France rewarding themselves with Germany's former colonies.
5. [1] Some thought it was too harsh on Germany.
6. [1] He wanted a harsh peace to punish Germany for starting the war.
7. [1] He wanted a harsh peace for Germany to make up for the damage done to France in the war.
8. [1] He wanted to make sure that Germany could not invade France again.
9. [1] He wanted to weaken Germany so that it would not be a threat to France.
10. [4-5] Explanation: Clemenceau sought a harsh peace to prevent future German invasions of France, aiming to weaken Germany's armed forces and strengthen French borders due to Germany's larger population and shared border.
11. [1] He was able to make sure that Germany was not weakened too much.
12. [1] The German economy would be able to recover.
13. [1] The German navy was greatly weakened.
14. [1] Britain gained some of Germany's colonies.
15. [1] Germany would be strong enough to stand up to communism.
16. [1] Some German speakers were placed under French rule.
17. [1] Germans were very angry with the terms of the treaty.
18. [4-6] Argument for agreement: Lloyd George achieved his goal of a peace that would aid Britain's economy, ensuring Germany was not too weakened to recover and remain a trading partner. He also desired a Germany strong enough to resist Soviet communism.
19. [4-6] Argument against agreement: Lloyd George was disappointed by the harshness of the treaty, fearing it would foster German anger and desire for revenge. He particularly disliked the placement of German speakers under French and Polish rule.