1. A war to end all wars

2. ‘At eleven o’clock this morning, the cruellest and most terrible war that has ever cursed mankind came to an end. I hope we can say that this morning came to an end all wars.’ David Lloyd-George speaking in Parliament on the 11th November 1918

3. A country after war
What do you think would be the main problems faced Germany after the war?

4. Post-war problems faced by Germany
They had to clear up the mess from the street party they had to celebrate winning the war.
Had too much money and didn’t know what to spend it on.
Food-shortages
Army felt betrayed by government
Post-war problems faced by Germany
Humiliation
Huge Debt
The doctors were out of work because everyone was too healthy
Too many widows
Population was too big

5. Treaty of Versailles Peace treaty made by USA, UK and France
What did they decide?
- Reparations (compensation) $6,600 million
War Guilt Clause
German army restricted
Germany lost land (both at home and abroad)
‘Diktat’ (dictated peace) - no choice but to sign.

6. Kaiser Abdicates Is replaced by Weimar Republic
What does this change about the way Germany is run?
Do you think this change is positive?
What do you think the consequences are of this sudden change for the new government?

7. Money Spent in World War One
Who spent the most money?
Who had to pay compensation?
What is the consequence of this for Germany?

8. Germany lost land in the peace treaty
Where did Germany lose land?
Can you see the problem caused by giving land to Poland?
What consequences do you think this loss of land would have had on Germany?

9. Unrest on the streets Can you see who is protesting in this picture?
What do you think they were unhappy about?
What problems do you think this might cause for Germany?
A protest in Berlin in November 1918

10. Economic Crisis The German economy suffered from hyper-inflation
Economic Crisis The German economy suffered from hyper-inflation. Hyper-inflation means very rapid inflation – the currency loses value very quickly.
Why do you think the children are playing with money?
What problems would ordinary people face if the currency loses value very quickly?
What are the consequences of this economic crisis for Germany?
German children playing with money
A 50 million mark note from 1923

11. French Invasion 1923 France invaded the Ruhr as Germany stopped paying reparations.
Why did France invade Germany?
Do you think the German people would have thought this was fair?
How do you think it would have made Germany feel towards France?

12. Conclusions
What do you think was the most important consequence of the First World War for Germany? Why?

13. A war to end all wars?