German territorial losses, Treaty of Versailles, 1919
Photo Credit: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
As a result of Germany losing World War I, the United States, Great Britain, France, and other allied states imposed territorial, military, and economic provisions on Germany. Specifically the territory of Alsace-Lorraine, previously ceded to Germany post Franco-Prussian war, was now given back to France at the end of WW1. Belgium received Eupen and Malmedy; which was placed under the administration of the League of Nations as it was an industrial region, which lasted for 15 years. Lastly, the Rhineland was demilitarized; which disallowed Germany to have military forces or fortifications. In the east, Poland received parts of West Prussia and Silesia from Germany. Czechoslovakia gained the Hultschin district from Germany; Danzig became a free city under the protection of the League of Nations. Lithuania gained Memel, a small territory in East Prussia along the Baltic Sea. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, "Outside Europe, Germany lost all its colonies. In sum, Germany forfeited 13 percent of its European territory (more than 27,000 square miles) and one-tenth of its population (between 6.5 and 7 million people)" (USHMM, 2017).
Germany paid a large price due to losing the war. As a result, a socialist revolution broke out in Germany from 1918 - 1919, which resulted in the creation of the Weimar Republic. This set the stage for Adolf Hitler to rise to power. Germany was left feeling bitter and facing an uncertain, and difficult future with all the nation lost.
Germany paid a large price due to losing the war. As a result, a socialist revolution broke out in Germany from 1918 - 1919, which resulted in the creation of the Weimar Republic. This set the stage for Adolf Hitler to rise to power. Germany was left feeling bitter and facing an uncertain, and difficult future with all the nation lost.
Reference:
USHMM. (2017). United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. German territorial losses, Treaty of Versailles, 1919. Retrieved from: https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/media_nm.php?MediaId=1620