ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for First World War and Treaty of Versailles Class 10 History

We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of twelve chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is First World War and Treaty of Versailles. All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for First World War and Treaty of Versailles will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.


Name of the chapterFirst World War and Treaty of Versailles
Subject History and Civics
Topics covered
  • Causes, Course and End of the World War-I
  • Result/Consequence of the First World War
  • Treaty of Versailles
  • Questions Answers from Ch 12 First World War and Treaty of Versailles
Related Readings

Very Short Questions


1. Name the Single Nation States and the Imperial States before 1914.

Answer

The single Nation States were France, Holland, and Germany. The Imperial States were Austria-Hungary and Russia.


2. What was the conflict between Austria and Serbia?

Answer

The major cause of tension between Serbia and Austria was the annexation of Balkan provinces, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 by Austria which Serbia had coveted.


3. Mention two causes of the First World War.

Answer

(i) Imperialism and Economic competition.

(ii) Militarism and Armament race.


4. How many major power countries were there at the end of the 19t Century?

Answer

England, France, Germany and U.S.A. were the major power countries at the end of 19th century.


5. Which country opposed the French claim on Morocco?

Answer

Germany opposed the French claim on Morocco.


6. What was the conflict between Austria and Serbia due to regions?

Answer

The major cause of tension between Serbia and Austria was Balken region.


7. What was Triple Alliance?

Answer

Germany, Austria and Italy were in Alliance in 1882, which was known as Triple Alliance.


8. Which countries were involved in Triple Entente?

OR

State the rival bloc that was formed against the Triple Alliance.

OR

Name the signatory countries of the Triple Entente (1907).

Answer

England, France and Russia formed the Triple Entente.


9. Which country withdrew from Triple Alliance during the World War I?

Answer

Italy withdrew from Triple Alliance and joined the war against Germany in 1915.


10. Who was murdered on June 28, 1914 at Sarajevo?

Answer

Archduke Francis Ferdinand was murdered on June 28, 1914 at Sarajevo.


11. When was the Archduke Francis Ferdinand assassinated?

Answer

On June 28, 1914.


12. What was the immediate cause of the First World War?

Answer

The immediate cause of the war was the murder of Archduke Francis Ferdinand on June 28, 1914.


13. Why did Britain declare war on Germany and when?

Answer

Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914 when German army invaded Belgium, whose neutrality had been guaranteed by Britain.


14. Which country withdrew from Triple Alliance during the World War I?

Answer

Italy withdrew from Triple Alliance and joined the war against Germany in 1915.


Short Answer Questions


1. Whose entry in the colonial world triggered rivalry among Europeans? Why?

Answer

  • By the end of 19th century, many of the countries of Asia and Africa had been occupied by Britain, France, Spain and Holland.
  • Germany also wanted a share in the world market. It became necessary for Germany to have her own colonies. This brought her into a direct clash with the existing colonial powers which created a war like situation. The rivalry over the colonies became a major cause of World War I.


2. What was Arms race? Why did the European powers indulge in it?

Answer

Stock piling of weapons in the name of self-defence and preservation of peace was Arms race which led to fierce competition among European countries. Competitive nationalism, economic competition and international tension led to piling up of stock of weapons. Britain and France felt concerned with German war-preparations and growing strength, hence they were forced to enter the Arms race.


3. Explain the Balkan issue.

Answer

  • Balkans (peninsula to the Mediterranean sea) was a region of geographical importance and ethnic variation. The spread of nationalism in the Balkans together with disintegration of the Ottoman Empire made this region very explosive. Unification of Slays was the most restive movement in the Balkans led by Serbia.
  • Balkans became a scene of big power- rivalry. The European powers who fought over trade and colonies as well as naval and military might were keen on countering each others' hold over the Balkans. This led to a series of wars in the region and finally the First World War.


4.Which two power blocs emerged in Europe prior to World War I?

Answer

The major European nations were divided into two blocs.

(i) Britain, France and Russia (Triple Entente-1907)

(ii) Germany, Austria - Hungary and Italy (Triple Alliance-1882). 

They made treaties of secret military alliances with each other causing suspicion and fear amongst nations.


5. What do you mean by the Sarajevo Incident?

OR

What was the immediate cause of First World War?

Answer

The Sarajevo Incident: Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary was assassinated at Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia on June 28, 1914. The assassination was organised by a secret society called Black Hand' or 'Union of Death' formed by extremist Serbian nationalists whose aim was to unite all Serbians into a single Serbian State.


6. Mention two territorial conflicts between nations before the outbreak of World War I.

Answer

(i) There was tension between France and Germany over the territories of Alsace and Lorraine, which were annexed by Germany in Franco-Prussian War.

(ii) Austria and Russia were rivalrous over the Eastern European territories of the Ottoman Empire known as the Balkans.


7. What were the conditions of the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia?

Answer

Austria served an ultimatum to Serbia on 23rd July 1914 making eleven demands. Austria asked Serbia to apprehend the criminals and hand them over to the Austrian government. Austria also sought a ban on anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian meetings and institutions in Serbia.


9. How did the Sarajevo crisis in 1914 lead to the First World War?

Answer

  • Austria saw the hand of Serbia behind assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and served her with an ultimatum.
  • Due to the support of Russia, Serbia refused to accept the demands of the ultimatum. So Austria declared a war on Serbia on 28th July 1914.


10. Why did Britain declare war on Germany and when?

Answer

Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914 when German army invaded Belgium, whose neutrality had been guaranteed by Britain.


11. How did Germany protect its colonial empire amidst competition?

Answer

(i) In order to protect her colonies in Africa and the Pacific, Germany began to build a powerful navy. The Germans dug the Kiel Canal deeper so that battle ships could find shelter in its waters.

(ii) The construction of the Kiel Canal under taken by Germany -

  • To connect the North sea with the Baltic sea.
  • To provide a passage for German ships to the North sea.

(iii) In 1912, the Imperator was the largest battle ship built by the Germans.


12. Which German project caused resentment in Great Britain? Why?

Answer

  • The construction of the Berlin-Baghdad railway line with the co-operation of Turkey was perceived as threat to British trade interest and her colonial empire in Asia.
  • Besides, construction of Kiel Canal aggravated the naval competition between England and Germany in the North Sea.


13. Why did colonial competition among the European powers increase?

Answer

  • With the tremendous increase in industrial production after the Industrial Revolution, the industrialised European powers needed overseas markets in Asia and Africa.
  • They also needed guaranteed sources of raw material at cheap rates.
  • An intense struggle started among the European powers to acquire colonies in Asia and Africa for this purpose, resulting in colonial competition.


14. Why did the Balkan region evoke interest among the European nations?

Answer

  • The Balkan region was strategically located and provided access to the Mediterranean Sea. The trade routes from Europe to Africa and Asia passed through the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The hold of the Turkish ruler over this east European region had weakened during the second half of the 19th century. The collapse of the crumbling Turkish Ottoman empire allowed Europeans increase their influence in this region.


15. Which incident provoked the entry of US in the War?

Answer

On 6th April 1917, the United States of America declared war on Germany due to following reasons:

  • German U-boats had sunk, British ship, ‘Lusitania' sailing from New York in which 128 Americans were killed.
  • Many Americans had invested money in Entente countries which could be paid back if these countries won the war.


16. Why did Russia withdraw from World War I?

Answer

Russia withdrew from the war for the following reasons:

  • Russia had lost more than 600,000 soldiers.
  • The new Bolshevik Party was not in favour of the War. Russia withdrew from the War and the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed. Germany imposed a war indemnity of six billion marks on Russia. It had to cede many industrial cities to Germany.


17. What was the Paris Peace Settlement?

Answer

  • A conference was held in Paris to settle the terms of peace. Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles on 28th June, 1919.
  • Separate treaties were signed with Austria, Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria to cripple them economically and militarily. Treaty of St. Germaine, Treaty of Trianon, Treaty of Neuilly and Treaty of Sevres were other treaties signed with the losers.


18. What was the fate of Turkey at the end of the War?

Answer

Under the Treaty of Sevres, Turkey lost the territories of Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Arabian countries to the Allies. Turkey was left only with Constantinople and the Straits of Dardenelles as its possession. The complete dismemberment of Turkish empire took place where by Syria went to France, Palestine and Mesopotamia (Iraq) went to Britain as 'mandates' most of the remaining Turkish Empire was given to Greece and Italy.


19. What were the objectives of the League of Nations?

Answer

The aims and objectives of the League of Nations were as follows:

  • All the member-states of the League were not allowed to enter into any secret treaties.
  • The member states were not supposed to maintain warships, and destructive armaments.
  • All the states should refer to the League of Nations their mutual disputes, if any.
  • The states should respect each other's independence.
  • The League of Nations was responsible for promoting cultural, social and economic cooperation among the member states.
  • The member states should take necessary actions as directed by the League of Nations against any state which tried to disturb the world peace.
  • To establish 'International Law' as the actual rule of conduct among governments.
  • Protection of national minorities.


20. With reference to Austrian-Serbian clash, explain annexation of Bosnia Herzigovina.

Answer

Pan Slavism was a movement led by Serbia for unification of Slays in the Balkan region. Serbia coveted the Balkan territories of Bosnia-Herzigovina for its expansion into a bigger South Slav Sate. However Bosnia Herzigovina were under the administrative control of Austria. Taking advantage of the revolution that broke out in Turkey, Austria annexed these territories in 1908. Serbia resented this annexation. Serbia was supported by Russia in its bid for the Balkans.


21. Mention two causes of the First World War.

Answer

(i) The intense nationalism and distrust triggered an armament race among European Nations.

(ii) The greatest single underlying factor for the war was the formation of secret alliances and counter-alliances.


22. What is the Sarajevo Incident? Who assassinated whom, when and where?

Answer

The Sarajevo incident is related to the assassination of the heir apparent to the throne of Austria, Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo.


23. How did the Sarajevo crisis in 1914 lead to the First World War?

Answer

(i) Austria saw the hand of Serbia behind the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and gave them an ultimatum.

(ii) Due to the support of Russia, Serbia refused to accept the demands of the ultimatum. So Austria declared a war on Serbia.


24. Mention two territorial conflicts between nations before the outbreak of World War I.

Answer

(i) There was tension between France and Italy over the occupation of Tunis.

(ii) There was territorial conflict between Turkey and other European powers.


25. What did France gain from the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer

  • It was given full control over the rich coal mines in the Saar basin although the area was governed by the League of Nations.
  • It was also given some regions of Togo and Cameroons (South East Africa).
  • The Armistice signed by Germany on November 11, 1918 was based upon the US President Wilsons Fourteen Points.


25. Which country emerged as the Super Power after the War?

OR

The USA emerged as the Super Power after the War. Why?

Answer

USA emerged as the super power because:

  • It ended the political isolation of the Munro Doctrine.
  • It was responsible for the victory of Allied Powers and also for turning the tables against Germany and the Axis Powers.


26. What were the consequences of the First World War?

Answer

(i) Spread of Nationalism,

(ii) Spread of Democracy,

(iii) New balance of power,

(iv) Rise of dictatorship and economic depression were the main consequences of the First World War.


27. What can be attributed to be the cause of the Second World War?

Answer

(i) The Treaty of Versailles signed after the end of the First World War.

(ii) The War created economic and political instability in many European countries.


28. How was the war fought in the eastern front?

Answer

The eastern front of the first world was laid from the Baltic to the black sea. The main powers fighting in the eastern front were Russia, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. Russia had to face Germany from the west front and Austria-Hungary from the east front. In November 1914, Germany secured the support of Turkey against her enemies in the war. Germany and Austria captured Russian territories. Later, the British army defeated the Turkish army. In 1917, revolution broke out in Russia. Russian government under Lenin signed a peace treaty with Germany called the treaty of Brest-Litovsk. This led the war at the eastern front come to an end.


29. Explain how the Treaty of Versailles was responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War.

Answer

The Treaty of Versailles was responsible for the outbreak of World War II due to the following reasons:

  • The Peace Settlement at Paris was made in a spirit of revenge. The Germans felt that too much injustice had been done to them.
  • The victorious powers had deprived Germany of huge tracts of its territory.
  • She was burdened with an immense War Indemnity.

It was impossible for a proud German race to forget the consequences of the War, which they had lost so humiliatingly. This fuelled the rise of Nazism in Germany which adopted policy of aggression.


30. What did France gain from the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer

France gained a lot from the Treaty of Versailles. Alsace and Lorriaine were returned by Germany to them. France was compensated for the destruction of its coal mines by Germany in 1918. Therefore, France was given full control over the rich coal mines in Saar basin, but the area was to be controlled by the League of Nations. France shared the colonies of Togo and Cameroon with Britain. France was supposed to get 10 years of supply of coal from Germany along with Belgium and Italy.


31. Explain briefly the territorial rearrangements as a result of World War-I.

Answer

Germany lost World War-I. In the 1919, with the Treaty of Versailles, the victorious powers (the United States, Great Britain, France and other allied states) imposed punitive territorial, military and economic provisions on the defeated Germany. In the west, Germany returned Alsace-Lorraine to France. It had been seized by Germany more than 40 years ago. Further, Belgium received Eupen and Malmedy; the industrial Saar region was placed under the administration of the League of Nations for 15 years and Denmark received Northern Schleswig. Finally, the Rhineland was demilitarized; that is, no German military forces or fortifications were permitted there. In the east, Poland received parts of West Prussia and Silesia from Germany. In addition, Czechoslovakia received the Hultschin district from Germany; the largely German city of Danzig became a free city under the protection of the League of Nations and Memel, a small strip of territory in East Prussia along the Baltic Sea, was ultimately placed under Lithuanian control. Outside Europe, Germany lost all its colonies. In sum, Germany forfeited 13 percent of its European territory (more than 27,000 square miles) and one-tenth of its population (between 6.5 and 7 million people).


39. Discuss about the loss of life and money occurred due to First World War.

Answer

During the four years of war, about 80 lakh persons were killed, 60 lakh disabled and about one crore and 20 lakh wounded. Nearly 80 lakh people were missing. The war proved to be very costly. The expenditure was nearly 41,000 million pounds on the side of Allies and 15,000 million pounds on the side of Germans.


40. What changes have occurred in the Political map of the world after the First World War.

Answer

The change taken place after 1s World War are:

  • The old empires like the German, the Austria, the Ottoman and Russia were shattered.
  • Many new states such as Poland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Yugoslavia were created.


41. Discuss about the emergence of the democratic spirit after World War I.

Answer

  • The German Emperor William II fled away and a democratic government was set up there.
  • People's Republic was set up in Russia after the Revolution of 1917.
  • Republic was set up in Italy too.


42. Brief the objectives of League of Nations.

Answer

League of nations was formed with the main objectives of maintaining peace in the world and to prevent another world war in the future. Therefore, the chief aim of the League of Nations was to promote international cooperation and to achieve international peace and security. In order to achieve its objectives, the members of leagues were required:

  1. not to resort to war,
  2. to maintain open, just and honourable relations among them,
  3. to establish 'international law' as the actual rule of conduct among governments and
  4. to respect all treaty obligations in their dealings with one another.


Structured Questions


1. Name the two military alliances formed before the First World War. How did their formations make the First World War inevitable?

Answer

The two triple alliances formed before the First World War were:

  • Triple Alliance: It had Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy as its members.
  • Triple Entente: It has Britain, Russia and France as its members.

The conflicts within Europe and the conflicts over colonies mentioned earlier had begun to create a very tense situation in Europe from the last decade of the nineteenth century. European countries began to form themselves into opposing groups. They also started spending vast stuns of money to increase the size of their Armies and Navies, to develop new and more deadly weapons, and to generally prepare themselves for war, Europe was gradually becoming a vast armed camp. France was defeated very badly in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. After this war, the German Chancellor, Bismarck adopted such a diplomatic foreign policy as to keep France isolated and prevented her from establishing friendly relations with any other European country. Britain as stated above, was alarmed at the growing military power of Germany. As early as in 1879 Germany had concluded a secret military alliance with Austria-Hungary called the "Dual Alliance". It provided for mutual military assistance in case either country is attacked by France or Russia. Italy joined it later on in 1882. Thus, it was converted into "Triple Alliances". Britain, Russia and France formed the Triple Entente in 1907. Thus, Europe was divided into two hostile groups. The real aims of the countries which joined these alliances were the extension of their colonial possessions, an all-European war almost certainly would become a world wide war.


2. Briefly describe the events of the Balkan War.

Answer

Taking advantage of the Agadir crisis, Italy attacked Libya (a part of the crumbling Turkish Empire) in 1912 and annexed Tripoli from Turkey. Following the Turkish defeat in 1912, the Balkan states-Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro formed the Balkan League and declared war on Turkey in October 1912. They aimed to partition the Turkish Empire. From October 1912 to May 1913, the League won a series of battles and Turkey was wiped out of existence. Austria wanted to stop Serbia from becoming too powerful.

In the second Balkan War, Austria's ally Bulgaria alone fought against Serbia, Montenegro, Rumania, Greece and Turkey. The war was soon over. Bulgaria was soundly defeated. This made the Austrians even more determined to crush the Serbians.


3. What was the Sarajevo crisis?

OR

How did the Sarajevo crisis of the 1914 lead to the First World War?

Answer

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary was assassinated at Sarajevo, Capital of Bosnia by the secret society called 'Black Hand' or 'Union of Death', formed by the assertive Serbian nationalists whose aim was to unite all Serbians into a single Serbian State.

As a result of this assassination, Austria served an ultimatum to Serbia on 23 July making eleven demands and on 28 July, 1914 Austria declared war on Serbia and Russia started preparation for the war to support Serbia. On August 1, 1914 Germany declared war on Russia, and on August 3, on France. Germany declared war on France on August 4, 1914 and on same day Britain declared war on Germany. Thus, the Serajevo crisis triggered World War I in 1914.


4.Explain the immediate cause of the First World War.

Answer

Immediate cause: Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated at Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia on June 28, 1914. The assassination was organized by a secret society called 'Black Hand' or 'Union of Death' formed by extremist Serbian nationalists whose aim was to unite all Serbians into a single Serbian State. Austria declared an ultimatum on Serbia on July 23 making eleven demands. Serbia accepted most of the demands except those that would have led to the loss of her sovereignty. Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. Russia started preparing for the war to support Serbia. On August 1, 1914 Germany declared war on Russia; and on August 3, on France. German troops marched into Belgium to press on to France on August 4 and on the same day Britain declared war on Germany. Many other countries soon entered into the War. Japan declared war on Germany to capture German colonies in the far East. Turkey and Bulgaria joined on the side of Germany. Italy remained neutral for some time but joined the war against Germany in 1915 after breaking the Triple Alliance.


5. Which incident led to the outbreak of the First World War?

Answer

The gun-powder of the First World War was getting ready in Europe since long but the murder of the Austrian Archduke, otherwise a minor incident, provided the spark which set the whole Europe ablaze. The Austrian Prince, Archduke Ferdinand was murdered in the Bosnian capital of the Sarajevo on June 20, 1914. The murderer was a Serbian so Austria declared war against Serbia on July 28th, 1914.

This incident, had a great impact on the different European countries. An apology by Serbia could have satisfied Austria and the things would have settled for the time being. But different European countries had their own axe to grind so they acted selfishly. France and Russia came to the help of Serbia. At this, Germany declared a war against Russia. England wanted to keep aloof but when Germany attacked Belgium, then England was compelled to join the war in order to safeguard the Belgian neutrality and its own political interests.


6. When and why did the U.S.A. enter the First World War?

Answer

On 6th April, 1917, the United States entered the First World War by the following reasons:

(i) The Americans were generally more inclined towards England (and her allies) because of their cultural and racial affinity with the English people. Hence, they joined the war in favour of England.

(ii) The U.S.A. was the main supplier of arms and other supplies to the Allies.

(iii) Economic consideration also prompted the United States to enter the First World War in favour of the Allies. The Allies were in possession of most of the colonies which could give boost to the foreign trade of the U.S.A.

(iv) The sinking of the U.S.A. ships, carrying the American citizens by the German U-Boats ultimately forced the U.S.A. to join the war.


7. How did Russia withdraw from the First World War?

Answer

In Russia, there broke out a Revolution in 1917. As a result of this revolution, the Czar was ousted and the power ultimately came into the hands of Lenin and his co-revolutionaries. The first task of the new Government was to withdraw from the war. Russia did so because of the following reasons :

(i) Most of the revolutionaries regarded the First World War as quite useless because, according to them, the war was being fought to satisfy the imperialistic designs of the Czar and the other European monarchs.

(ii) The Russian soldiers were ill-equipped and as many as 6,00,000 of them had already been killed in the War by 1917. There was no sense in continuing such a war of self-destruction.

(iii) Russia had already suffered serious reverse in the war.

(iv) Lenin, the leader of the new Government, wanted to transform this war of aggression into a revolutionary war in order to overthrow the Russian autocracy and the best time to do so was this when all the powerful countries of the world were awfully busy in the First World War.


8. With reference of the following points, explain the causes of World War I.

(a) Imperial rivalries.
(b) Aggressive Nationalism and Arms race.
(c) Division of Europe into two power blocs.

Answer

(a) There was a scramble among the European nations for new territories in Africa and Asia in the 19th century. Most of the countries were occupied by Britain and rest by France, Spain, Holland, Portugal and Belgium. These colonies were used as captive markets for the sale of goods. Germany was left behind. But when Germany entered the race of establishing colonies and wanted a share in the world market, then Britain, France etc. became concerned. This was the beginning of clashes between Germany and other colonial powers.

(b) Aggressive Nationalism and Arms race:

  • Nationalism had become competitive and aggressive. Love for ones nation meant hatred towards the other. France and Germany were old rivals as Germany had seized its provinces, Alsace and Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian War 1871.
  • Balkan states like Serbia wanted that their follow nationals (Slays) who lived in other States should come together to from a greater Balkan State.
  • These countries developed expansionist policies in the name of nationalism. Therefore military strength became synonymous with national prestige and every country began to increase her military power.
  • Competitive nationalism, economic competition and international tension led to piling up of stock of weapons. Britain and France felt concerned with German war-preparations and growing strength, hence they were forced to enter the arms race.

(c) Division of Europe:

  • There were two kinds of States in Europe in the early 20th century. On one hand there were single Nation-States like France, Holland and Germany. On the other, there were imperial States like the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire.
  • Germany entered into an alliance with Austria-Hungary. In 1882 Italy joined the alliance and it came to be known as the Triple Alliance.
  • After the death of Bismarck, France was able to establish friendly relations with Russia and England. The three countries entered into the Triple Entente in 1907 to counter the Triple Alliance.


9. In context World War I explain the following:

(i) The assassination of Austrian Prince immediately led to the War.
(ii) The War changed the political map of the World.
(iii) Formation of League of Nations.

Answer

(i) The Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir-apparent to the throne of Austria and his wife were shot dead in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 by Gavrilo Princep, a nineteen year old Bosnian. The murder was planned by a secret society of patriotic terrorists called the "Black Hand". Serbians were blamed for the crime by Austrians as the assassin and fellow conspirators had received their guns and bombs in the Serbian capital with the help of Serbian officials. As a result of this, Austria sent an ultimatum to Serbia to apprehend the criminals and hand them over to the Austrian government. It also sought a ban on anti-Austrian publications, anti-Austrian meetings and institutions. Serbia did not accept this demands as it led to the loss of a sovereignty. Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914.

(ii) The peace treaties signed after the War transformed the political map of the world, particularly of Europe. Three ruling dynasties were destroyed -the Romanov in Russia during the War itself, the Hohenzollern in Germany and the Hapsburg in Austria-Hungary. Soon after the War, the rule of Ottomans came to an end in Turkey. Austria and Hungary became separate independent States. Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia emerged as independent States. Empires having different cultures were dissolved and independent states having distinct cultures emerged after the War. These included Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Yugoslavia. Under the impulse of nationalism Alsace-Lorraine was restored to France and Schelswig-Holstein was restored to Denmark.

(iii) The horrors of War convinced the leaders of the world that there must be a mechanism to prevent War and promote international cooperation. This culminated in the setting up of the League of Nations. An important part of the peace treaties was the covenant of the League of Nations. Wilson's Fourteen Points included the creation of an international organisation for the preservation of peace and to guarantee the independence of all states. Thus, the League of Nations was created as a world organisation of all independent States in 1920.


10. Write a note on Treaty of Versailles with reference to:

(a) Loss to Germany in material and military arrangement.
(b) Losses with respect to her own territories.
(c) Losses with respect to her colonies.

Answer

(a)

  • Germany had to pay the damages of War called war-indemnity to the victor nations which cost it 33 billion dollars.
  • The German army was disbanded. She was allowed to keep only one lakh soldiers. The air force and sub marines were also banned. Her navy was limited to 15,000 men and 24 ships.
  • Germany had to cede to the Allies her merchant ships as compensation
  • Germany was to supply huge quantity of coal to France, Italy and Belgium for 10 years.
  • To compensate France for the destruction of the coal mines by Germany in 1918, she was given full control over the rich coal mines in the Saar basin. But the area was governed by the League of Nations.

(b)

  • The Rhine Valley was to be demilitarised. The German territory to the West of Rhine Valley was to be occupied by the Allied Troops for 15 years.
  • Germany was to return Alsace and Lorraine to France.
  • She was to hand over Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium.
  • She also had to give Schleswig to Denmark.
  • The German city of Danzig was made a free port in the Polish territory.

(c)

  • Britain and France shared Togoland and the Cameroon.
  • Other German colonies were shared between England, Belgium, Portugal and South Africa.
  • Japan was given Shantung and fort Kiao-chow in China and German colonies in the pacific.
  • New Zealand was given Samoa Islands.


Picture Based Questions


1. Answer the following

(i) Name the three gentlemen in the picture.

(ii) With which settlement they were associated.

Answer

(i) The three gentlemen in the pictures from left are Georges Clemenceau (France), Woodrow Wilson (USA) and Lloyd George (UK).

(ii) The settlement with which they were associated is the Treaty of Versailles.


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