-
Treaty of Versailles signed with Germany
Many Germans were triggered by the content in the Treaty of Versailles, but with a weak military and no resources, they had little option but to sign the treaty. This led to a political crisis in Germany. The Treaty of Versailles remained a symbol of national humiliation for Germany. This is significant in understanding why there is dissatisfaction with the peace settlements in the 1920's. Germany saw the settlements as being way to harsh, and embarrassing. They resented the settlements. -
Aaland Island dispute
The dispute over the Aaland Islands was between Finland and Sweden. The islanders who were under Finnish control wished to be returned to Sweden when Finland broke away from Russia in 1917. The Finnish government argued that they had done no harm to the islanders, and the League of Nations agreed. They were left under Finnish rule. This is significant in understanding how successful the League of Nations was in the 1920's. This was a success because both governments accepted the verdict. -
Washington Naval Conference
The Washington Naval Conference aimed to stop the dangerous naval arms race between Britain, Japan, and the USA. It also aimed at improving relations between the USA and Japan. The Four-Power, Nine-Power, and Five Power treaty were signed here. This conference is significant in understanding how tensions were still high from 1920-23. Nations were in a constant competition with each other which lead to a dangerous arms race. This race would have had detrimental effects, if not for the conference. -
Plebiscite in Upper Silesia
The plebiscite did not solve Anglo-French disagreements over Poland. Many British argued that keeping the key industrial of the province German. The French insisted that they should be given to Poland. The question of Silesia's borders was handed over to the League of Nations. This is significant in understanding how and why international tensions remained high in the 1920's. There were many disputes over and which kept the tension between the nations high. -
Genoa Conference
The Genoa Conference's purpose in finding a solution to the international economic crisis. Lloyd George believed that Germany needed temporary loans to pay off their reparations, which would eventually boost their economy. This would inevitably boot the international economy. Nations accepted the invitation, but were hesitant about its intentions. This is significant in understanding how tensions remained so high from 1920-23. The Genoa Conference was an attempt to solve problems/ease tension. -
The Rapallo Pact
Germany and the USSR agreed to forego any financial claims against each other for the damages that they would suffer at war against each other. This agreement was prompted because they were both suspicious of Lloyd George's intentions at the Genoa Conference. This pact led to the collapse of the Genoa Conference. This is significant in understanding how and why tensions remained high during the 1920's between nations. Nations did not trust each other despite efforts like the Genoa Conference. -
Ruhr Crisis
The Genoa Conference failed to find a solution to the reparation problem, which led French and Belgian troops to move into the Ruhr. They seized its coal mines and key factories as productive pledges. This occupation was met with passive resistance by German workers . This is significant in understanding how and why tensions remained high from 1920-23. The French wanted Germany to pay for the harm they caused during the war, and took securing reparation's into their own hands. It was a failure. -
Dawes Plan
The aim of the Dawes Plan was to end the conflict over reparations, and restore economic stability to post-war Europe. The Dawes Plan said that the US would loan the money to Germany to help them start paying reparation's, of 800 million gold marks. The British saw the Dawes Plan as a solution while France and Germany viewed it more skeptically. This is significant in understanding how successful attempts were to improve international relations in the 1920's. This plan was successful. -
Locarno Conference
The Locarno Conferences were aimed at reassuring the French of Germany's intentions, because they were still skeptical of them. Seven treaties were signed during this conference. The most important agreement confirmed the inviolability of the Franco-German, and Belgian German frontiers. This is significant in understanding how successful the attempts were to improve international relations in the 1920's. The Locarno treaties gave many hope that the tension decreased, and growth was on the way. -
Kellogg-Briand Pact
This letter proposed a bilateral treaty outlawing war, to the American people. Briand hoped that it would strengthen French ties with the USA and strengthen France in relation to Germany. States signed not to use war to resolve disputes or conflicts between themselves that can be resolves pacifically. This is significant in understanding how successful attempts were to improve international relations in the 1920's. This pact seemed to have the right idea, but there was nothing to enforce it.