Critiquing Versailles Portfolio
Unit 6 Portfolio
World History B
Directions
For this portfolio you will be writing a five paragraph essay on the critiques of the Versaille Treaty. You must first research the topic by finding two articles that relate to the Treaty of Versailles. You will then write a 5 paragraph essay on the treaty. I will list the format below.
Step 1-Introduction
● Include your thesis statement
● Describe the importance of the Treaty of Versailles and its historical importance
Step 2-Body Paragraph #1
● Describe things that actually worked in the Treaty of Versailles
● What made you say that part of the treaty worked? Who did it work for?
● Was this beneficial for all sides involved in the Treaty?
● Use evidence from your two articles to back your claims.
Step 3-Body Paragraph #2
● Describe some things that did not work in the Treaty of Versailles
● What made you say this part of the Treaty did not work? Who did it hurt? Who did it help?
● Did this have an effect on future events beyond the First World War?
● Use evidence from your two articles to back your claims.
Step 4-Body Paragraph #3
● Explain how things could have been done differently in the Treaty
● Explain how your changes would have either helped/hurt either side of the treaty
● Explain the effects of these changes
Step 5-Conclusion
● Restate your thesis
● Wrap up your thoughts.
Essay Requirements
● MLA format
● 12 font, Times New Roman
● Double Spaced
● Works Cited page
● Check My Work link
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 at the end of World War I, is a historical document that has been the subject of much criticism. This treaty aimed to bring about peace and stability in Europe by punishing Germany and its allies. However, the terms of the treaty have been widely debated and criticized for their impact on future events. In this essay, we will explore the critiques of the Treaty of Versailles by examining what worked, what did not work, and suggesting alternative approaches that could have been taken.
One aspect of the Treaty of Versailles that was considered to have worked was the inclusion of the League of Nations. The League of Nations was established as an international organization to promote peace and cooperation among nations. The idea behind the League of Nations was to prevent future conflicts by providing a forum for countries to resolve disputes peacefully. This was seen as a positive step towards maintaining peace in Europe and preventing another world war. According to an article by History.com, the League of Nations was a "noble experiment" that aimed to prevent future conflicts.
On the other hand, there were several aspects of the Treaty of Versailles that did not work. One of the most criticized aspects was the harsh reparations imposed on Germany. The treaty demanded that Germany pay massive reparations to the Allied Powers, which crippled the German economy and created widespread resentment among the German population. This paved the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II. According to an article by the BBC, the reparations imposed on Germany were a key factor in the failure of the Treaty of Versailles.
In hindsight, there are several ways in which the Treaty of Versailles could have been approached differently. One alternative could have been to focus on reconstruction and reconciliation rather than punishment. By offering assistance to rebuild war-torn countries and fostering cooperation among nations, a more sustainable peace could have been achieved. This approach would have alleviated the economic hardships faced by Germany and prevented the rise of extremist ideologies. Additionally, a more inclusive treaty that took into account the needs and concerns of all parties involved could have created a more lasting peace.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles was a flawed document that had lasting repercussions on the course of history. While some aspects, such as the establishment of the League of Nations, were seen as positive steps towards peace, the harsh reparations imposed on Germany and other punitive measures proved to be detrimental. By considering alternative approaches that focused on reconstruction and reconciliation, a more sustainable peace could have been achieved. The critiques of the Treaty of Versailles serve as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in maintaining peace in the world.
Works Cited
History.com. "Treaty of Versailles." A&E Television Networks, 14 Jan. 2021, www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/treaty-of-versailles-1.
BBC. "World War One: How the Treaty of Versailles Led to World War II." BBC News, BBC, 18 Nov. 2016, www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32000533.