History of Europe

What did the winners get in Treaty of Versailles?

Territorial Gains

* France regained Alsace-Lorraine, which had been annexed by Germany in 1871.

* Belgium was given Eupen-Malmédy, a small territory on its eastern border.

* Denmark was given North Schleswig, a region that had been ceded to Prussia in 1864.

* Poland was created as a new independent state, with territory from Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary.

* Czechoslovakia was also created as a new independent state, with territory from Austria-Hungary.

Economic Reparations

* Germany was required to pay reparations to the Allied Powers, totaling 132 billion gold marks (equivalent to $33 billion).

* The reparations were to be paid over a period of 30 years.

* Germany was also required to surrender its overseas colonies.

Military Restrictions

* Germany was limited to a military of 100,000 men.

* Germany was prohibited from having an air force or submarines.

* Germany was also prohibited from building fortifications along its borders.

War Guilt Clause

* Germany was forced to accept the "war guilt clause," which stated that it was responsible for causing World War I.

* The war guilt clause was used to justify the reparations payments and the other harsh terms of the treaty.