The Versailles settlement had a range of consequences.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] Level 1 One mark for each relevant point; additional mark for supporting detail
2. A plebiscite was a vote to determine which country people wanted to belong to.
3. They were held after the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
4. They were held in territory which was taken away from Germany.
5. In 1921 there was a plebiscite in Upper Silesia and this resulted in it being partitioned between Poland and Germany.
6. A plebiscite in 1920 saw Schleswig divided between Germany and Denmark.
7. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
8. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
9. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons
10. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
11. e.g. 'The French were worried that Germany would recover after the war and would threaten France again. To prevent this, Clemenceau wanted a treaty which would guarantee British and American support should France be attacked again. However, the British and USA refused and this meant that France still felt vulnerable, especially on its eastern border.'
12. e.g. 'Clemenceau wanted Germany to be harshly punished.'
13. 'The French did not want Germany to regain strength to attack France again.'
14. 'France had lost many soldiers in the war.'
15. 'Britain and the United States refused to promise to support France.'
16. 'Clemenceau's demands were not fulfilled.'
17. 'Germany was still a threat.'
18. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
19. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
20. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5-6 marks
21. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
22. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
23. e.g. 'Political turmoil was a serious consequence of the Treaty of Versailles. Accepting the Treaty made the government seem weak in the eyes of the people. Many believed that Germany had been 'stabbed in the back' by the government. During the Kapp Putsch members of the right-wing Freikorps staged a coup and tried to take over the government.'
24. OR e.g. 'Economic problems were a worse consequence of the Treaty. When Germany was unable to pay reparations, the French invaded the Ruhr. This led to a hyperinflation crisis. Money became worthless and people could no longer afford food.'
25. e.g. 'Germany was very unstable.'
26. 'Government politicians were known as the 'November Criminals'.'
27. 'The Freikorps was a right-wing group.'
28. 'The Kapp Putsch happened in March 1920.'
29. 'Reparations were high.'
30. 'There was much unemployment.'
31. 'Hyperinflation meant money was worthless.'
32. 'The German people were starving.'
33. 'Germany lost 13% of its land, including some which was rich in resources.'