IGCSE QUESTIONS

Key question 1 -2 topics

(A)What were the motives of the big three at the Treaty of Versailles.( 4 MARKS)
(A) What are the terms of Treaty of Versailles that restricted Germany militarily
(a) What are the terms of the treaty of Versailles in relation to territorial lost to
Germany.
(a) What did Wilson hope to achieve from the peace settlement of 1919–20.
(a) In what ways was the Treaty of Versailles designed to restrict Germany’s ability
to
attack France? Give 4 point in bullet point
A)What were the motives of the big three at the Treaty of
Versailles.( 4 MARKS)
Clemenceau wanted REVENGE BECAUSE OF WHAT
THEY SUFFERED IN THE HAND OF GERMANY,
TO PUNISH GERMANY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE,
MAKE GERMANY PAY FOR DAMAGES OF WAR,
WEAKEN GERMANY SO THAT GERMANY WILL NOT
ATTACK FRANCE AGAINAND CRIPPLE GERMAN
ECONOMY
Lloyd George wanted to make Germany pay, He also wanted
justice.
Wilson wanted disarmament, League of Nation, Self-
determination,Safe world and a fair Peace
What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles in relation to
territorial changes
Answer
‘Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.’
‘Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia became independent states.’
‘Danzig became a free city run by the League of Nations.’
‘West Prussia and Posen were given to Poland.’
‘Eupen and Malmedy were given to Belgium.’
Denmark gained North Schleswig after a plebiscite.’
Saar land run by France on behalf of the League of Nations
(a) What did Wilson hope to achieve from the
peace settlement of 1919–20
‘Wilson did not want Germany treated harshly because he
thought that if Germany was punished severely then, in the
future, Germany would want revenge.’ and cause another war
‘He wanted to strengthen democracy in the defeated nations so
that its people would not let its leaders cause another war.’
‘Wilson hoped that nations would co-operate to achieve world
peace and in his 14th Point he proposed the setting up of an
international body called the League of Nations.’
‘Wilson believed in ‘self-determination’ and he wanted the
different peoples of Eastern Europe to rule themselves rather
than be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.’
(a) In what ways was the Treaty of Versailles designed to
restrict Germany’s ability to attack France?
‘Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France.’
‘The Rhineland was to be de-militarised.’
‘The Saar Basin was to become a mandate under the
League. It was handed over to France for fifteen years.’
‘Eupen-Malmedy was handed over to Belgium and
Northern Schleswig to Denmark. This strengthened these
countries and, therefore, helped protect France.’
‘Limiting the German army to 100,000 and not allowing
conscription lessened the threat to France.’
‘Germany was not allowed tanks or military aircraft and
this meant less threat to France.’
(6.MARKS) questions (PEE)
(B)Why did Clemenceau want a hash treaty on Germany?
(6.MARKS) Explain 3 point (PEE) Points, evidence and
explaination.
(B) Why was Wilson unsuccessful in achieving his goal of
self-determination for the peoples of Eastern Europe?
(B) Why was it difficult to make a peace settlement which
would please all the Allies?
(B) Why did Clemenceau and Lloyd George disagree over
how to treat Germany?
(b) Why did the Treaty of Versailles punish Germany?
(B) Why was Wilson unsuccessful in achieving his goal of
self-determination for the peoples of Eastern Europe?
Answer
‘Wilson’s views were threatening to the British and French
governments as both ruled millions of people in their
Empires.’ ‘It was impractical.
It would be very difficult to give the peoples of eastern Europe
the chance to rule themselves because they were scattered
across many countries. Some people were bound to end up
being ruled by other nationalities with different customs.’
‘His ideas were too idealistic.’ ‘If fully applied, there would
have been a patchwork of states.’ ‘He was making proposals
about an area he knew little about.’
(B) Why was it difficult to make a peace settlement which
would please all the Allies?
Answer
Clemenceau wanted security for France.’to achieve this, he
wanted to weaken Germany and reduce their army so that they can not
attack France again. But Wilson wanted to use his Fourteen Points e.g
the League of Nation, Self-determination , disarmament to achieve
World peace by negotiation and settlement of disputes
The French wanted to punish Germany severely but Lloyd
George didn’t want Germany punished too much because it will lead to
future war, he wanted to protect British interests.’
The French wanted revenge on Germany for the destruction the
war had caused and therefore wanted Germany to pay huge reparations.
However, Lloyd George was unhappy about this; he did not want to
treat Germany too harshly as he wanted Germany as a future trading
partner.’
(B)Why did Clemenceau want a hash treaty
on Germany?
Answer
Clemenceau wanted a hash treaty on Germany because
his country France had been attack twice by Germany
in the past and he did not want Germany to be able to
attack France again.
He also wanted Germany to pay for the damages they
caused in the 1st World war.
He also want German army reduced to protect France
from future attack.
(b) Why did Clemenceau and Lloyd George disagree
over how to treat Germany?
Clemenceau wanted to secure France from future German attacks by reducing
‘

German military strength and taking back Alsace-Lorraine and taking the Saar
and the Rhineland.
Lloyd George wanted to reduce German strength but he did not want to make
France too powerful and therefore he would resist the taking of German
territory to aid France.’
‘Clemenceau needed to placate a vociferous French public and therefore wanted
severe terms like huge reparations to repair French damage. Britain had not
been invaded and damaged and therefore Lloyd George wanted more moderate
demands so that Germany would not seek revenge in the future and Britain
could resume being an active trading partner with Germany.’
‘Clemenceau felt that Lloyd George was quite happy to treat Germany fairly in
Europe, where France rather than Britain was most under threat. Lloyd George,
however, was less happy to allow Germany to keep its navy and colonies, which
could be more of a threat to Britain.’
(b) Why did the Treaty of Versailles punish Germany?
‘It was expected that if a country lost a war it would be punished by the
victors. The French had been heavily punished in 1871 by the newly
formed Germany and, therefore, Germany could expect similar
treatment.’
‘Clause 231 had stated that Germany was solely responsible for starting
the war and, therefore, should be punished. The ‘war guilt’ clause was
highly controversial.’ ‘Germany took the first major action of the war
by following the Schlieffen Plan and invading Belgium and then
invading France.’
 ‘Germany had caused massive damage to the infrastructure of Belgium
and France. Even in retreat, the Germans deliberately destroyed mines,
railways, factories and bridges.’
 ‘By the end of 1917, Russia was defeated. In March 1918, Russia’s
new Bolshevik government signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The
Germans inflicted severe punishment on Russia by taking Finland, the
Baltic States, its Polish provinces and the Ukraine. It is not surprising
the Allies wanted to heavily punish Germany similar to Germany’s
(C) Was the Treaty of Versailles fair? How far do
agree with this statement, Explain your answer.
You have to argue on both sides.
Explain 3 points saying the treaty was not fair.
Explain 1 to 2 points saying it was fair.
Finally you conclude by saying it was fair because of the
tone of the question and give 2 examples (10 marks)
(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer.
(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement.’ How far
do you agree with this statement?Explain your answer.
‘The German view was it was not fair. They thought it was harsh
and, as they had not been in the talks, considered them a
“diktat”.’
‘As many Germans did not accept they had lost the war, the
Weimar Republic took the blame for accepting the harsh terms
such as the reparations.’ ‘The harshness of the reparations made
it extremely difficult for Germany to recover economically and
made future war likely.’ ‘Germany felt they had been left
vulnerable to future acts by the reduction in the armed forces.’
‘Was it right to put blame on Germany for starting the war when
other countries were just as aggressive in the years leading up to
1914?’
(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement.’ How far do
you agree with this statement?Explain your answer.(Continues)
‘It was unfair because reparations punished the ordinary
people of Germany rather than the rulers.’
‘The Germans felt they would be dealt with under the
Fourteen Points. This was not so.’
‘The Treaty aimed to destroy Germany economically.
Europe needed a strong German industry.’
‘On the other hand, many thought the peacemakers did a
reasonable job. It was a complex matter and, given the
demand for revenge, they could have been harsher as was
the
German peace treaty with Russia.’
(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement.’ How far do
you agree with this statement?Explain your answer.(Continues)
‘The Treaty was not as bad as Germany argued. By 1925
German steel production was twice that of Britain.’
‘The terms of the Treaty were strict, but they were not
entirely unexpected. When the Armistice was signed in
Nov.1918, the Germans knew they would have to pay
reparations,
surrender territory and have their armed forces reduced.
These were the usual consequences of defeat in war.’
Conclude with 2 examples stating how fair the Treaty of
Versailles was.
(C )‘Most Germans were horrified by the terms of the Treaty.’ How
justified was this reaction? Explain your answer.
Answer
‘The German reaction was justified because Germany was forced to
disarm to an extent that no other nation was. Their army was reduced
to just 100,000 men, a very small number for a country of Germany’s
size. The Germans felt this would leave them vulnerable to attack.’
‘Their reaction was justified because the reparations were very high, 6.6
million pounds and the allies took away the lands such as Saar
containing their major industries. How did they expect them to pay
for reparations.
Their reaction was justified because the war wasn’t Germany’s fault.’
they were not the only country that started the aggression, why were
they blamed for the war - Clause 231(the war guilt clause)
On the other hand, ‘The German reaction was not justified
because they had treated Russia more harshly in the Treaty
of Brest-Litovsk. Under the terms of this treaty Russia lost
32% of their agricultural land and 54% of their industry, and
was fined 300 million gold roubles. The Germans had little
cause for complaint given their treatment of Russia.’
‘Their reaction was not justified because Germany had agreed
to the terms of the Armistice, where they signed on to the
principle of reparation, territorial lost and reduction of
armed forces. Why are they surprise when it was melted out
on them.
Then you conclude and give 2 examples (10 marks)
(c )‘At the time, the Treaty of Versailles was justifiable.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Explain your answer.10 marks)

Answer
‘At the time many people believed that the treaty was justifiable and that
Germany had been treated reasonably. There were demands for the treaty
to be even harsher against Germany as Germany had forced a much
harder peace on Russia in the Treaty of BrestLitovsk, with Russia losing
54 per cent of its industry and 32 per cent of its agricultural land.’ (2
marks)
Explain two more points here------------------------------(4 marks)
On the other hand ‘It was not justifiable for the sole blame to be placed on
Germany. Britain and France had both followed aggressive imperialism
and along with the other main European powers they had greatly
increased their spending on armaments. They should also have taken
some of the blame for the outbreak of war in 1914.’(2 marks)
Conclusion (2 marks)
(c) ‘The Treaty of Versailles was too harsh.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
Answer
‘The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a severe and crippling peace treaty imposed on
Russia by Germany. It was much harsher than the Treaty of Versailles. It was likely
that the Germans would have inflicted a similar severe treaty on the French and
British if Germany had won the war.’ (2 marks)
Explain two more points here------------------------------(4 marks)
‘Germany felt the drastic reductions in the armed forces left the country vulnerable to
future attacks. The army was a symbol of German pride. Its loss upset the
Germans.’ .’ (2 marks) Conclusion is 2 marks
This points below can be added if fully explained……..
. ‘It was fair as it did not weaken the German economy that much.’
‘It was too harsh on the ordinary German people.’
‘It left Germany vulnerable to attack.’ ‘It was harsh as it was forced on Germany
through a diktat.’ ‘The war guilt clause was unfair.’ ‘It was not too harsh. Germany’s
economic problems were self-inflicted.’ ‘The high reparations were harsh.’ ‘Taking
away industrial areas was unfair.’
(c) ‘The peacemakers of 1919–20 dealt successfully with the problems
they faced.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer.
‘Many at the time thought it was about right. A more generous treaty
would not have
been acceptable to the people of Britain and France who wanted
compensation for loss of
lives and damage.’ ‘The treaties made some progress in giving self
determination as recommended in the Fourteen Points. This led to
Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia being formed.’
‘In the Armistice, the Germans agreed to reductions in their armed forces,
losses of territory and the principle of reparations. They should not have
been surprised when these were included in the peace treaty.’
‘Many think a reasonable job was done as the problems faced were very
complex with strong demands for the Treaty to be even harsher against
Germany as Germany had forced a much harder peace on Russia under
the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.’
(c) ‘The peacemakers of 1919–20 dealt successfully with the problems
they faced.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your
answer. (Continues)
‘The treaties left defeated countries very bitter and determined to get
revenge. This is particularly true of Germany where Hitler gained
support to overthrow the Treaty.’
‘The treaties failed in Central Europe as they created states with too many
rival minorities, such as the Serbs, Bosnians and Croats forming
Yugoslavia.’
‘Turkey was treated unfairly to satisfy France, Britain and Greece. The
Treaty of Sevres only lasted three years.’
‘The Treaty punished the ordinary German people rather than those
responsible. Would it have been better to keep Germany relatively
happy with the rise of Communism in Russia?’
‘It was wrong to put the sole blame on Germany as other countries had
followed aggressive imperialism including Britain and France.’
Then you conclude and give 2 examples (10 marks)
League of Nation questions
(a)What was the role of the Assembly within the League of
Nations?
(a) What was the role of the Council of the League of Nations?
(a) What were the main weaknesses in the structure and
organisation of the League of Nations?
(a) What steps did the League of Nations take against Japan
following the invasion of Manchuria?
(b) Why did the Great Depression make the work of the
League difficult?
(b) Why was the idea of ‘collective security’ unlikely to be
successful for the League of Nations?
(c) ‘Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia damaged the
League more than Japan’s invasion of Manchuria had.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer.
(c) To what extent was the League of Nations a success
in its peacekeeping role? Explain your answer.
(c) ‘The League of Nations was based on sound ideas.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer.
League of Nation questions
(a) What was the role of the Assembly within the League of Nations?
Answer
‘The Assembly could recommend action to the Council.’
‘The Assembly voted on admitting new members.’
‘The Assembly voted on the election of temporary members of the
Council.’
‘The Assembly controlled the League’s budget.’
‘The Assembly met once a year.’
‘The Assembly discussed ideas put forward by the Council.’
‘The Assembly considered matters of general policy.’
‘The Assembly elected judges of the Permanent Court.’
(a) What was the role of the Council of the League of Nations?

Answer
‘It was the executive body of the League.’ ‘The Council
dealt with emergencies.’ (Met in times of crisis.)
‘The Council was set up to deal with any disputes by:
discussion before matters got out of hand deciding on
a course of action meeting and voting to condemn the
action using moral force.
imposing economic sanctions and, as a last resort, the
Council could use military force.’
‘Supervised the work of the commissions.’
(a) What were the main weaknesses in the structure and organisation of
the League of Nations?
‘Not all nations were members of the League. The USA
never joined.’
‘Other nations left when they got into disputes with the
League, such as Japan.’
‘The League had no armed forces of its own, having to rely
on collective security.’ (2 marks)
‘The league was dominated by Britain and France but they
could not agree on how it should be run.’
‘The League was too slow to take action. All decisions of the
Assembly and the Council had to be taken unanimously.’
‘It was unrealistic to expect nations to obey a toothless body
(a) What steps did the League of Nations take against Japan
following the invasion of Manchuria?
‘They used moral condemnation.’
‘When China appealed to the League for help, it instructed Japanese
forces to withdraw.’
‘The League decided to set up a Commission of Inquiry under Lord
Lytton.’
‘The Commission was sent to the area to gather information and
report on what happened. It took nearly a year to do so.’
‘When the Report was published in late 1932, it condemned Japan’s
actions.’
‘The members of the League accepted Lytton’s conclusions and
again instructed the
Japanese to leave. The Japanese ignored the report and instruction,
and left the League.’
(b) Why was the idea of ‘collective security’ unlikely to be
successful for the League of Nations?(6 marks)
Answer
‘Collective security was unlikely to be successful as there were three
stages that all members had to agree to and follow. These were
moral disapproval, economic sanctions and military sanctions. The
absence of the powerful USA would reduce the effectiveness of
both moral disapproval and sanctions.’
It is difficult to enforce any military sanction because it take time to
gather volunteer army and the league do not have a standing army.
‘Members of the League acted in the interests of their own countries.’
Britain and France the leading members could not help Abyssinia
because they had no vested interest and the economic sanction was
ineffective because it did not include the ban in sale of oil. (6
marks)
(b) Why did the Great Depression make the work of the
League difficult? (6 marks)
‘The World Depression had political consequences. Many lost their jobs
and turned to extreme political parties that promised solutions to the
economic crisis. These extremist parties, like the Nazis in Germany, did
not believe in democracy and international cooperation. They cared for
themselves and ignored the authority of the League.’ (2 marks)
‘Many extreme parties were nationalist and an aspect of extreme
nationalism was militarism. Parties like the Nazis built up their armed
forces and used aggression against other nations. This was against the
aims of the League.’
(2 marks)
‘Economic rivalry increased and replaced co-operation with many
countries being badly hit by loss of exports which in turn lost imports.
Some of these countries, such as Japan, turned to expansion.’ ‘The
Depression had damaged world trade and the imposition of economic
sanctions would damage it further.’
(2 marks)
(b) Why did the Great Depression make the work of the
League difficult? (6 marks) continues
This points below can be added if fully explained……..
‘It destroyed the goodwill upon which the League depended.’ ‘The
effects of it created tension and conflict.’ ‘It helped extremist
political parties to come to power.’ ‘Nations began to ignore the
League’s authority.’ ‘It became difficult to use economic
sanctions as trade was depressed.’ ‘Extremist leaders looked to
foreign policy success to distract attention from troubles at
home.’ ‘It encouraged militarism in Japan / Italy / Germany.’ ‘It
put pressure on countries to find new markets and sources of raw
materials.’ ‘It put pressure on governments to cut expenditure
and this delayed re-armament for League members to deal with
aggressors.’ ‘Members undermined the power of the League.’
(c) ‘Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia damaged the League more
than Japan’s invasion of Manchuria had.’ How far do you agree

with this statement? Explain your answer (10 marks) .

‘Manchuria was the first major problem facing the League and it tackled it with little
enthusiasm. The League was slow to act taking almost a year to produce the Lytton
Report. By the time it was published, Japan had completed the invasion of
Manchuria.’ (2 marks)
Explain two more points here------------------------------(4 marks)
On the other hand ‘In Abyssinia the self-interest of the League main members, Britain
and France, was evident and damaged the League. The League failed to impose
severe economic sanctions on Italy as these would affect jobs and cause economic
problems.’ (2 marks) Conclusion is 2 marks
This points below can be added if fully explained……..
‘The League was slow acting over Manchuria.’ ‘The leaders were more interested in
their own economies.’ ‘It needed the USA to make trade sanctions effective over
Abyssinia.’ ‘Britain and France wanted to avoid war with Italy over Abyssinia.’ ‘The
League failed to show strength by imposing limited sanctions.’ ‘Mussolini learned
from Manchuria that the League was unlikely to act.’
Then you conclude and give 2 examples (10 marks)
(c) To what extent was the League of Nations a success
in its peacekeeping role? Explain your answer.
‘It resolved the small border disputes in the 1920s such as the one between
Sweden and
Finland over the Aaland Islands by deciding they were to go to Finland.
War was avoided as
both sides accepted the decision of the League.’
‘In 1921 it helped to arrange a plebiscite in Upper Silesia after both Poland
and Germany had claimed the land. Both accepted the League’s decision
of splitting the area in accordance with the plebiscite and ensuring the
availability of services to both areas.’
On the other hand…..
‘Mussolini was ordered to withdraw from Corfu which he did. The Greeks
were made to pay compensation and Mussolini used his influence with
the Conference of Ambassadors. This undermined the League’
(c) To what extent was the League of Nations a success in its
peacekeeping role? Explain your answer.(continues)
‘The League was ignored when it requested Poland to withdraw
from Vilna. Poland refused and remained in Vilna. ’
‘The League failed over Manchuria where it took twelve months
for the Lytton Report and the League did nothing more than
condemn Japan’s actions. When the Report was accepted
Japan left the League.’
‘The League imposed sanctions on Italy after they invaded
Abyssinia but these were ineffective as they did not include oil,
whilst behind the scenes the Hoare-Laval Plan showed that
Britain and France were not prepared to take action. This secret
pact undermined the League.’
Then you conclude and give 2 examples (10 marks)
(c) ‘The League of Nations was based on sound ideas.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

‘The creation of the League was an attempt to make sure

nations did not have to live through the horrors of world
war again. It encouraged governments to strive for world
peace by urging them to talk over their problems rather
than going to war. The League wanted countries to disarm
so that they would not be tempted to use military action to
settle their differences.’
‘The League’s agencies were to raise peoples’ awareness on a
whole range of social issues.’ ‘The League was too
idealistic to believe that all countries would sit around a
table to solve their problems. Not all countries were
members and some left when problems arose.
Countries were not willing to disarm as this would give away
their security.’
(c) ‘The League of Nations was based on sound ideas.’ How far do you
agree with this statement? Explain your answer.(Continues)

‘The League had no standing army and this was unrealistic in its
belief that moral and economic sanctions would work in all
cases or that countries would give military support.’
‘The League was trying to uphold the peace settlement even
when founder members thought some terms were too harsh
and were willing to make adjustments to the treaties or ignore
parts.’
‘All members were to have equal voting rights. All decisions in
the Assembly and the Council had to be unanimous. This was
fine if members agreed with each other, but not when they
disagreed.’
Then you conclude and give 2 examples (10 marks)