French+Security

**French Security**

 * The measures taken by France during the interwar years to build its own security.**
 * Outline**

During the interwar years, France went to extraordinary measures to build up its security as a preventative measure towards any aggression by Germany. The first signs of their feeling a threat were witnessed during the Paris Peace Conference. Ultimately, France's own security was dependent on the weaknesses of Germany, both politically and economically. In order to remain "in control" of the situation, Germany's ability to protect itself, as well as its ability to recover, had to be severely deterred.


 * The War Guilt Clause and Its Aftermath**

The War Guilt Clause created during the Treaty of Versailles named Germany as the aggressor, and the spark which started WW1. This clause gave the Entente the ability to place severe reparations on Germany which would help cover the costs of war damage, and severely weaken Germany. France had punishments on their minds and they argued hard at the conference for the most severe punishment possible. They were hoping the results would ease the fear of a future attack.


 * USA, Britain and Another Failure of the League**

Although France had been told by Britain and the US that they would be given help in protection against Germany, these two countries had their own problems on their mind. USA's isolationist congress caused the US to withdraw their promise, and Britain followed suit soon after. Britain at this time was much more concerned with their regaining status as an economic superpower. Not only were they not given support by the two largest super powers at this time, but the League of Nations was given little confidence, and ultimately, was not able to do anything about a German attack. This left France to fend for itself.
 * The Maginot Line**

Between 1930 and 1940 France built the Maginot Line. The Maginot Line was created to act as the main form of protection against any German aggression. This fortress, stretching along France's Eastern borders, had many faults, including it's opening in the Ardenne's forrest. This opening was later exposed by Hitler during WW2. Another weakness of the Maginot Line was that it was built for static warfare (technique fought in WW1). Rather than actually being a proper form of withstanding a German invasion, it just cushioned France's feeling of security, or rather, false feeling of security. The Maginot Line, created without any thought of airplanes or tanks in the future, had been a failure.


 * The Little Entente and Other Treaties**

France also began to encourage the formation of the Little Entente, a band of countries including Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Belgium. It was believed by the French that this alliance had the potential to hold off Germany, however, this idea was unrealistic. During the post war times, France also began taking advantage of the alliances it held with the surrounding countries. France created these treaties as a preventative measure rather than building up their own supplies and army.


 * French Occupation of the Ruhr**

When Reparation payments [made during the Treaty of Versailles] weren't made, the French army stuck to their threats, and quickly occupied the Ruhr Valley. Soon after, the Dawes plan forced the French out of the area.


 * The Dawes Plan : The Main Points**

After the previous German government fell due to inflation, Gustav Stresemann formed a new government. This government, a new era in the Weimar Republic, agreed to pay the reparation payments. At this time, the German government asked for help in the international community, which was followed by the creation of a committee working to help the German economy. This committee was lead by Charles G. Dawes. Dawes came up with several points which were to help Germany pay back the reparations. These points were:


 * The Allied forces would be evacuated from the Ruhr.
 * The German government should pledge government revenues for reparations.
 * German payments should begin at $250 million and build to 600$ million.
 * Payments were still to be tied to German prosperity.
 * A foreign loan of $200 million was offered to get Germany started.

By 1925, the last allied troops had exited the Ruhr.


 * Sources :**


 * History test: French security long answer
 * History 12 Student workbook
 * Howarth Textbook
 * Google Images
 * Youtube : French Security Project

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By: Shelby Slater