The Versailles Settlement had mixed consequences.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Clemenceau wanted security for France.
2. [1] He wanted to punish/cripple/weaken/be harsh on Germany.
3. [1] He wanted to take revenge on Germany.
4. [1] He wanted Germany to pay for the damage caused.
5. [1] He wanted Germany to be prevented from launching an attack on France.
6. [1] He wanted revenge for the suffering France had endured.
7. [1] He wanted to disarm/reduce Germany's armed forces.
8. [1] He wanted to reduce Germany's industrial strength.
9. [1] He wanted Germany to accept the blame for the war.
10. [1] He wanted Alsace-Lorraine from Germany.
11. [1] He wanted the Saar coalfield from Germany.
12. [1] He wanted the Rhineland to be an independent state.
13. [1] He wanted some of the German colonies.
14. [1] It was one of Wilson's 14 Points.
15. [1] His aim was to bring peace.
16. [1] It would create new states.
17. [1] Wilson's views were unpopular with the British and French.
18. [1] Wilson's views threatened the existence of the British Empire/imperialism.
19. [1] Wilson's views were not practical.
20. [1] Many Germans lived in Poland.
21. [1] The Saar basin was returned to Germany.
22. [1] Austria was excluded.
23. [1] It was difficult to apply to Germany.
24. [1] Wilson's view meant people should have their own state.
25. [4-5] Wilson's views on self-determination were important because they were unpopular with the French and British. Self-determination meant that different peoples should have the right to rule over themselves. Both France and Britain ruled over large empires. If Wilson's plans were adopted this would threaten their control over their empires.
26. [1] They thought it was wrong that some Germans were now living in foreign countries.
27. [1] They lost revenue from industrial areas given to France and Poland.
28. [1] German overseas colonies were taken away.
29. [1] Access to raw materials was limited.
30. [1] There was a loss of agricultural land.
31. [1] There was a loss of coal mines/industrial areas.
32. [1] They thought the War Guilt Clause was unjust.
33. [1] They objected to the ‘Diktat' or imposed peace.
34. [1] They thought the reparations were too severe.
35. [1] They felt their army was made too small.
36. [1] Many Germans thought the Treaty of Versailles was unfair.
37. [7-9] Loss of territory was a serious consequence for Germany because much of the land which it lost was rich in industrial resources and important for the German economy. The Saar region was put under League of Nations control and Alsace-Lorraine was given to France. Both regions contained coal mines and the profits from these would have helped Germany pay reparations.
38. [7-9] The reduction in armaments brought a loss of pride and resentment. The army was reduced to 100 000 men and the navy was restricted in size. This contributed to a feeling of insecurity as the size of the army was thought to be too small to defend against a possible French attack.