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Period: to
Unit 2 Timeline
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Treaty of Versailles signed with Germany
Established 9 new nations and shifted several boundaries of existing nations. Imposed harsh conditions on Germany, stripping it of its colonies, arms and military reduction. Included a War Guilt Clause, forced Germany to accept the blame for starting WWI, and forced Germany to pay the Allies $33 billion in reparations.
This event was significant because it ended the war between Germany and the Allies and held them accountable for starting said war. -
Aaland Islands Dispute
A group of 6,500 islands between Finland and Sweden exclusively Swedish speaking belonged to Finland. Most inhabitants wanted the island to be part of Sweden, but Finland disagreed, the issue was brought to the League of Nations.
This event is significant because it demonstrates that the League was successful in resolving international tensions in the 1820s. -
Washington Naval Conference
There was a need to reduce tensions in East Asia rising from Japanese expansion. The US invited 9 nations to discuss naval reductions and the situation in East Asia. It led to a series of treaties that guaranteed peace in East Asia for the time being.
This event was significant because it was a start to global disarmament and an end to wars. -
Chanak Crisis
The treaty of Sevres wasn't viable because of a nationalist movement under Mustafa Kemal. He routed the Greeks and entered areas still occupied by the Allied troops and France and Italians withdrew. Kemal sent troops to Chanak in the neutral zone between Turkey and Britain.
This event was significant because Kemal gained everything that he wanted, eastern Thrace and Adrianople, and Britain recognized Turkish control over the Constantinople and Straits. -
Rapallo Pact between Germany and USSR
After WWI and Paris peace settlements Germany and Russia were left feeling vulnerable. Germany recognized Russia's Bolshevik government, being the first foreign government to do so. Germany and Russia went to the Genoa Conference but were dissatisfied with the outcome and came to an agreement on their own terms.
This event was significant because both nations agreed to renounce territorial claims made against each other and c meet each other's economic needs, and helped Germany escape isolation. -
Ruhr Crisis
Angered by Germany's failure to make reparations, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr to seize coal and timber to make up for it. The loss of industrial output furthered hyperinflation making it harder for Germany to pay reparations. It came to an end after Germany's new chancellor Gustav Stresemann ended passive resistance and France accepted the US-supported initiative.
This event was significant because it led to hyperinflation in Germany -
Corfu Crisis
An Italian general and his staff were part of an Allied team demarcating the new Albanian frontiers and were ambushed by Greek bandits and killed. Mussolini issued an unacceptable ultimatum to Athens. Italian troops occupied Corfu and escalated tensions.
This event was significant because it showed the League was powerless against a bigger country threatening a smaller country. -
Dawes Plan
The Dawes Plan was the product of the London Conference which was helping to address the growing problems of German reparations. In this plan Germany's reparations payments were restructured, and it was agreed that the annual payment would be restricted to what Germany could afford. The German national bank Reichsbank was restructured and supervised by representatives from other countries at the London Conference.
This event was significant because it resolved the issue of German reparations. -
Locarno Conference
The resort of the Locarno was setting a series of agreements designed to create greater stability in Europe. It included the Treaty of Mutual Guarantee: Britain and Italy would assist any country that was the victim of an act of aggression violating the Locarno treaties. The idea of holding the Locarno Conference came from Gustav Stresemann, German foreign minister.
This event was significant because the treaties were greeted with relief, enthusiasm, and optimism across Europe. -
Young Plan
Once Germany had to meet its full reparation payments it wouldn't be able to afford its interest payments on American loans despite the Dawes Plan. As a result, a committee chaired by banker Owen Young met to discuss the possibility of reducing the total figure decided on after the peace talks. This plan reduced the sum of German reparation from 132 billion over 59 years to 112 in the same period.
This event was significant because it marked France's willingness to compromise on reparations.