About Ricky Law Expertise My knowledge focuses mainly on the history of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and of World War II in Europe. I can answer general questions on Weimar and Nazi Germany and Italy under Mussolini, and specific questions on diplomacy, military, politics and topics germane to WWII. Questions on European history during the 1930s and 40s are also welcome.
Experience I have worked with Nazi history throughout my career as a historian. I maintain the website Arsenal of Dictatorship (http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/2833/) that deals with all weapons of Nazi Germany during WWII. My latest research project deals with the Axis alliance between Germany and Italy.
Question What issues arose in the peace making process at the end of world war one and how was Germany involved?
Answer Brittany,
The most important issue in the peace process after WWI was the right of self-determination. Defeated nations like the German, Austrian, Ottoman and Russian Empires held and ruled land populated by other nationalities, like Poles, Hungarians, Bulgarians, Czechs, Ukrainians, Finns, etc. US President Wilson insisted that the minorities should have the right to decide on independence. Plebicites were held, and the above-mentioned empires were dissolved. Poles previously under German rule were able to have their own nation. Some land populated by Danes changed from German to Danish. France and Beligum also got pieces of Germany. Germany was involved mainly because it was defeated and couldn't resist these developments; the victorious Allies never did ask Germany whether it agreed to parting with the territories.
Another issue was Germany's colonies. Before WWI Germany had colonies in Africa, the Pacific and special rights in China. After the war Britain and France took over the colonies under mandates from the League of Nations. Japan took the colonies in the Pacific. Again, Germany was involved because the colonies had been its.
Other issues were reparation, demilitarization and war guilt. France and Belgium, and to a lesser extent Britain, demanded huge payments from Germany for damages from the war. Germany tried to lower the amount, but it didn't have much success. Germany was also forced to eliminate its air force, scale down its navy and restrict its army. Germany tried to resist but as a defeated nation there wasn't much it could do. Finally Germany was forced to admit that it was guilty for having started WWI. Once the Allies got this concession from Germany, they were able to make demands like reparation and territories ("since you are guilty, you have to make amends").
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