Impact of peace settlement (Versailles treaty 1919) after the first world war

Before 1945

The process of decolonization or national liberation was fundamental in Africa. It allowed African state to regain their independence which they had lost for more half century.

Nationalism before 1945 was elitist i.e. it was not directly related to a political goal. It was intended to seize political power. The main aim of the Africans at this stage was to have reforms in colonialism such as end of land alienation, taxation and forced labor.

After 1945

The rise of African nationalism dates back to the period of colonial conquest and the imposition of colonial rule on one hand and primary African resistance against colonial rule on the other hand. But later the intensification of exploitation stimulated the nationalistic struggle.

After the First World War

The end of WWI was followed by peace settlement reached by series of peace treaties. The important one was Versailles Treaty, this was made in Paris France. Held from January to June 1919 it was signed on 28th June 1919.

Leading statements in Versailles were presided over by USA President Woodrow Wilson, George Clemenceau the prime minister of France, Lloyd George the prime minister of Britain and of Vittorio Orlando the prime minister of Italy. The leading role was played by President Wilson of USA.

In the terms of this treaty, Germany was highly humiliated as follows.

She lost all her overseas possessions, example Tanganyika, Togo Rwanda, Burundi and Namibia.

Her provinces taken during the Franco-Prussian war were given to France and return all France flags taken by her during the Franco-Prussian war (1870).

She was forced to disarm herself. Also, German universal military service were broken.

Germany to pay reparations to be paid to France, Britain and Belgium, they were fixed at 6.6 million.

Her federation with Austria-Hungary was broken.

Germany loses concessions and trading rights in China, Egypt and elsewhere. She was deprived of the right of joining the League of Nations, the terms aimed at weakening Germany, politically, economically and militarily.

1. Lack of effective enforcement mechanisms.
   The treaty's decisions were largely theoretical, lacking strong enforcement mechanisms. This made it difficult to implement the terms effectively, leaving many decisions impractical.

2. Harsh terms leading to resentment.
   The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, which contributed to widespread resentment. This dissatisfaction eventually fueled the rise of Nazism as Germany rejected the treaty's conditions.

3. Unmet expectations of victorious powers.
   Some victorious powers were dissatisfied with the treaty. For example, Italy felt cheated by the territorial settlements, contributing to the rise of Fascism in the country.

4. Exclusion of the USSR's role in Eastern Europe.
   The treaty ignored the influence of the USSR in Eastern Europe. As a result, regions like the Balkans remained unstable and prone to conflict, undermining the treaty's effectiveness.

5. Creation of more problems than solutions.
   Rather than providing lasting peace, the treaty exacerbated tensions and created new problems. Its punitive nature towards Germany was seen as humiliating, which further destabilized Europe.