Key Question 1 · 1919–1923
Were the peace treaties of 1919–23 fair?
Explore the Paris Peace Conference, the Treaty of Versailles and the settlements with Germany's allies — and judge how fair they really were.
Examiner Warnings — KQ1
Cambridge 0470 ER 2021–2025-
Avoid narrative retelling — describe what Versailles contained, then explain WHY each term was (or wasn't) fair by analysing who it benefited and who it harmed.
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Consider multiple perspectives — 'fairness' depends on viewpoint. A Level 5 answer weighs German, Allied, and national self-determination perspectives.
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Don't treat Versailles as the only treaty — Trianon, Neuilly, Sèvres and Lausanne are equally valid. Answers focusing only on Versailles are limited to Level 4 at best.
Study resources for Key Question 1
Study Notes
Clear, concise notes covering the Paris Peace Conference, the terms of each treaty, and analysis of their fairness.
Read notes →Flashcards
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Start cards →Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge with exam-style multiple choice questions, each with a detailed explanation.
Take quiz →Model Answers
Annotated model answers at Level 3, 4 and 5 — see exactly what top marks look like and why they score.
View answers →Content overview
What you need to know
The Paris Peace Conference
- ✦ The Big Three and their aims
- ✦ Wilson's Fourteen Points
- ✦ Conflicting national interests
- ✦ Why Germany was excluded
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
- ✦ Territorial losses
- ✦ War Guilt Clause (Article 231)
- ✦ Reparations — £6.6 billion
- ✦ Military restrictions
Other Treaties 1919–23
- ✦ St Germain (Austria, 1919)
- ✦ Neuilly (Bulgaria, 1919)
- ✦ Trianon (Hungary, 1920)
- ✦ Sèvres & Lausanne (Turkey)
Evaluating Fairness
- ✦ The case against: too harsh
- ✦ The case for: justified/lenient
- ✦ National self-determination
- ✦ Long-term consequences