Question

With reference to the First World War, answer the following questions:

1. State any three consequences of the war.
2. Mention three points under the Treaty of Versailles which affected Germany.
3. What were the objectives of the League of Nations? Name the organisation formed in October 1945 with objectives similar to those of the League of Nations.

Answer 1

1. Three key consequences of the First World War were:
   1. Treaty of Versailles: Signed on June 28, 1919, between the Allies and Germany, ending the war.
   2. Territorial rearrangements: Monarchies in Europe collapsed, democracies emerged, and Germany’s territories and military were severely restricted.
   3. Formation of the League of Nations: Established to maintain peace and prevent future wars.
2. Treaty of Versailles:
   1. War Indemnity: Germany was held responsible for the war and had to pay reparations totalling 33 billion dollars to the Allies.
   2. Rhine Valley: The area was demilitarised, and Allied troops occupied the territory west of the Rhine for 15 years.
   3. Territorial Losses: Germany lost its colonies and overseas territories. Togoland and Cameroon were divided between Britain and France, while East Africa was shared between Britain and Belgium.
3. Objectives of the League of Nations:
   1. Prohibited secret treaties and alliances between states.
   2. Limited the maintenance of large armies, warships, and arms.
   3. Ensured respect for the independence of all states.
   4. Encouraged peaceful settlement of disputes between countries through the League.
   5. Directed collective action against any state threatening peace.
   6. Promoted cultural, social, and economic cooperation among members.
   7. The United Nations was established in October 1945 with similar goals, aiming to maintain global peace and foster cooperation among countries.