Question

directions: read the following selections from the treaty of versailles. as you read, record your notes in the space below. your notes should focus on key ideas and on defining terms you do not know. the high contracting parties, recognising the moral obligation to redress the wrong done by germany in 1871 both to the rights of france and to the wishes of the population of alsace and lorraine, which were separated from their country in spite of the solemn protest of their representatives at the assembly of bordeaux agree upon the following articles: article 51. the territories which were ceded to germany in accordance with the preliminaries of peace signed at versailles on february 26, 1871, and the treaty of frankfort of may 10, 1871, are restored to french sovereignty as from the date of the armistice of november 11, 1918. the provisions of the treaties establishing the delimitation of the frontiers before 1871 shall be restored.... poland. article 87. germany, in conformity with the action already taken by the allied and associated powers, recognises the complete independence of poland, and renounces in her favour all rights and title over the territory bounded by the baltic sea, the eastern frontier of germany as laid down in article 27 of part ii...

Explanation:

To take notes on this Treaty of Versailles excerpt:

1. Key Ideas:

• The High Contracting Parties aim to redress Germany's 1871 wrong to France (Alsace - Lorraine separation) and Poland's independence.
• Article 51: Territories ceded to Germany in 1871 (via 1871 Preliminary Peace and Treaty of Frankfort) are restored to France from 1918 Armistice, with pre - 1871 frontier provisions reinstated.
• Article 87: Germany recognizes Poland's full independence and renounces territorial rights over areas bounded by Baltic Sea and Germany's eastern frontier (per Part II, Article 27).

1. Terms to Define: High Contracting Parties, cede, sovereignty, Armistice, renounce, delimitation.

Answer:

Key Ideas:

• Alsace - Lorraine & France: High Contracting Parties acknowledge Germany’s 1871 wrong (separating Alsace - Lorraine from France). Article 51 restores 1871 - ceded territories (from 1871 Preliminary Peace/Versailles & 1871 Treaty of Frankfort) to French sovereignty (from 1918 Armistice) and reinstates pre - 1871 frontier provisions.
• Poland: Article 87: Germany recognizes Poland’s full independence and gives up territorial rights over land bounded by Baltic Sea and Germany’s eastern frontier (per Part II, Article 27).

Terms to Define (if unknown):

• High Contracting Parties, cede, sovereignty, Armistice, renounce, delimitation.