The Terms: Armaments
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 1.2.3
Armaments
After negotiations at the Palace of Versailles, the Treaty of Versailles was drawn up by the Allies. An easy way to remember the TOV is to use the term ‘TRAWL’. A is for Armaments.
Aims of disarmament
- Germany’s armed forces were severely limited to make sure they couldn’t start another war.
- This clause would also humiliate Germany as previously, they were very proud of their military might under the Kaiser’s leadership.
Restrictions
- They were not allowed an air force.
- Their army was limited to 100,000 men with no tanks - this was to act as a defensive army only.
- Their navy was limited to 15,000 men and were only allowed 6 battleships, no submarines, and limited naval ships.
Purpose
- This would mean that Germany’s armed forces could only use their army for defensive purposes if they were attacked and not in an offensive (attacking) war.
Test yourself on The Terms: Armaments
Which sector of the armed forces was Germany not allowed under the Treaty of Versailles?