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DOSSIER Disarmament after the Treaty of Versailles 1919-1921 189 Images

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Series: Disarmament after the Treaty of Versailles 1919-1921

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Disarmament after the Treaty of Versailles 1919-1921

Scheidemann opposes the adoption of the Versailles Treaty, 1919

At the protest meeting in the auditorium of the Berlin National Library, Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann spoke against the adoption of the Versailles Treaty before the National Assembly. The dispute over the adoption has caused the government to break in two. This dispute lasts until 1933.

Onlookers waiting before the National Theater, 1919

Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann speaks against the adoption of the Treaty of Versailles in a protest meeting in front of the National Assembly. This photograph shows onlookers who wait for the end of the session of the National Assembly.

Scheidemann opposes the adoption of the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann speaks against the adoption of the Treaty of Versailles in a protest meeting. This dispute breaks up the first government of the new republic. Up until 1933 this repeatedly led to internal political tensions.

Confirmation certificate of the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Document confirming the Treaty of Versailles signed by the German President.

Signing of the Treaty of Versailles, 1919

The German Foreign Minister Hermann Mueller and the Minister of Transport Johannes Bell sign the Treaty of Versailles. Hundreds of people are present in the Mirror Hall of Versailles. The German National Assembly has authorized the government to sign only after weeks of struggle.

Onlookers before the National Theater, 1919

Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann speaks against the adoption of the Versailles Treaty. This dispute led to the break-up of the first government of the new republic and remained an everlasting issue until 1933. This photograph shows the agitated people waiting in front of the National Theater.

Scheidemann against the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Scheidemann speaks against the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann speaks against the adoption of the Versailles Treaty at a protest meeting of the National Assembly. The dispute breaks up the first government of the new republic. This dispute last until 1933.

Minister President Scheidemann is against the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Prime Minister Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann speaks before the National Assembly against the adoption of the Versailles Treaty at a protest meeting in the auditorium of the Berlin National Library. The dispute over the adoption has caused the government to break in two. This dispute lasts until 1933.

Adoption of the peace treaty by the National Assembly, 1919

Meeting of the National Assembly, during which the Peace Treaty of Versailles is adopted. This photograph shows the audience in the stands during the vote.

Arrival of the Allied Control Commissioners in Berlin, 1920

An English officer of the Control Commission arrives in Berlin to monitor the German disarmament.

Destroyed hangars in Griesheim, around 1919

According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was not allowed to maintain any air force. So the military hangars and aircrafts were also destroyed, here, a base of the imperial Jagdflieger destroyed by the French in Griesheim, (undated photo).

Incineration of German combat aircrafts in Griesheim, around 1920

Imperial hunting aircrafts are burned on the Griesheim military airfield according to the Treaty of Versailles.

Piles of destroyed German combat aircrafts, around 1920

Cut off German planes are prepared to be burnt (Undated shot).

Destruction of the largest German aircraft, 1922

The largest and fastest imperial combat aircraft is being dismantled and destroyed in the Rohrbach Werke. Here you can see the gutted hull.

Scrap collection point of the German Jagdfliegers (fighter pilots), 1919

German combat aircrafts are being dismantled and scrapped according to the Versailles Treaty.

Scrapped aircraft engines, around 1919

The destruction of all the combat aircrafts carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Versailles Treaty resulted in a gigantic scrap yard full of aircraft engines (undated photo).

Destroyed coastal defense on Heligoland, around 1919

In the Treaty of Versailles, the British pressed for a disarmament of the island of Heligoland, which was of great strategic importance to them. Therefore, the defense facilities of the island were dismantled and destroyed (Undated photo).

Smashed German aircraft hall, around 1920

The Treaty of Versailles ordered the destruction of the German Air Force. The construction of airplanes was also forbidden, so hangars and airplanes were all dismantled .From this hall only the steel skeleton remained (Undated photo).

A railway bridge to be dismantled over the Nahe, around 1919

The railroad agreement between Germans and French, that was kept secret for a long time, stated that not only many railways had to be destroyed, but station buildings and railway bridges as well. According to this, the bridge in the background was destroyed over the Nahe, a tributary of the Rhine .The construction of a new two-track railway bridge, which is recognizable in the foreground, had to be stopped (Undated photo).

Dismantled German hangar, around 1920

The new Reichswehr was forbidden to have an air force. Not only airplanes were destroyed but also military hangars and airports (undated photo).

French soldiers dismantle a German hangar, around 1920

The destruction of the entire Imperial Air Force was ordered in the Versailles Treaty. Not only aircrafts but military hangars were also destroyed. Here, French soldiers pose in front of a dismantled airfield (Undated photo).

Demolition of military buildings in Mainz, around 1919

Many military facilities and buildings had to be dissolved or destroyed in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles, as here in Mainz (undated photo).

Scrapping of German torpedo boats in Stettin, around 1919

Torpedo boats had to be scrapped and sold as junk according to the Versailles Treaty. Here workers dismantle such a boat and disassemble it into its pieces.

Shattered guns in the Krupp works, around 1919

Germany had to destroy heavy weapons according to the Treaty of Versailles, so also these gunpipes, which were dismantled and cut up in a factory of Krupp.

Destroyed German gun barrels, around 1919

According to the regulations of the Treaty of Versailles, all German heavy weapons had to be destroyed. Many landed on scrap heaps, like these dissected gun barrels.

Destroyed heavy weapons on a junkyard in Hamburg, around 1920

According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany had to destroy all heavy weapons. Many landed on scrap heaps like this, where they were disassembled or destroyed (Undated photo).

Transport of destroyed guns into the melting furnaces, around 1920

Thousands of gun cannons and MG Lafettes are transported by magnetic cranes to the site of their destruction (Undated photo).

Slighting of a coastal artillery on Helgoland, around 1919

Defense fortifications on Heligoland had to be razed according to the Treaty of Versailles. Here armor plates of the coastal artillery are welded on the island.

Blown up German fortress in Kuestrin, 1931

According to the regulations of the Versailles Treaty, German fortresses had to be destroyed, as here the "Hohe Kavalier", the fortress Kuestrin.

Scrapping of German submarines, around 1919

According to the Treaty of Versailles the German submarines are also destroyed or turned in. Here two submarines are dismantled and destroyed (Undated photo).

Scrap yard for artillery, around 1920

A gun on a meadow with summer flowers. Heavy artillery was forbidden in Germany according to the Versailles Treaty, and thousands of guns like these were melt down (undated photo).

English members of the Allied Control Commission supervise the dismantling of a gun on Helgoland, 1920

English inspectors observe these workers during the destruction of a heavy coastal artillery on the island of Heligoland, which had a special strategic importance to the Brits.

Destruction of sea mines, around 1920

The last sea mines of the world war are defused and destroyed by workers.

Destruction of the turrets of a ship belonging to a German war fleet, around 1919

On a former imperial battleship, a guard tower is welded apart by workers (Undated photo).

The German fleet delivers its ammunition in Wilhelmshaven, around 1919

Shortly before the internment of the German high fleet, the former imperial battleships are handed over in the port of Wilhelmshaven (Undated photo).

Destroyed coastal artillery on Helgoland, around 1919

According to the regulations of the Versailles Treaty, the entire coastal artillery, including all coastal attachments, had to be dismantled. Here workers cut off the cannons of a battery on Heligoland (Undated photo).

Last parade in front of the Potsdam NCO school, 1920

As the dissolution of all military schools was demanded in the Treaty of Versailles, the NCO school had to close as well. Here, the farewell parade, which was celebrated by the cadets in front of the school.

Last promotions at the Hauptkadettenanstalt (cadet school) in Berlin, 1920

Like all other military schools, the Prussian Hauptkadettenanstalt Berlin-Lichterfelde had to be dissolved according to the Versailles Treaty. Here, the last promotions are carried out by an officer before the closure.

Munich carnival parade, around the 1930s

At the large carnival parade through the city center, the disarmament conference was also humorously depicted.The remains of the last weapon and the last soldier are carried to the grave (Undated photo).

Scrapping of a German tank in England, 1919

English workers dismantle a German tank, because, according to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany could not posess any tanks.

Destroyed German tank, around 1920

The Allied Control Commission supervised the disarmament of the German army. Also all tanks were destroyed, like these ones here (Undated photo).

English officers in front of Hotel Adlon, 1920

In order to ensure the German disarmament, the Allied Control Commission sent, among others, English officers to Germany. Here their arrival in front of the Adlon.

Members of the Allied Control Commission with German girls in Berlin, 1921

The Allied supervisors of the German disarmament often had relations with German "Frauleins" (girls), here they are taking a stroll under the lime trees.

A picture of the German war debt

In the picture is a baby, that has to carry a sack full of money. Inscription: "The war indemnities mean 4763.5 Goldmark to every newborn German, debt to the Allies"

Map of the defortified and demilitarized Germany under the Treaty of Versailles

The picture is intended to show Germany's lack of protection, which is faced with a "wall of steel and iron". It presents the fortresses and positions of the Allies, in contrast to the weak defenses of the Germans.

Map of the number of combat aircrafts in Europe

While Germany's number of combat aircrafts is indicated as zero, 6,500 aircrafts from other European countries are targeting Germany.

Half-destroyed German aircrafts in Berlin-Johannisthal, around 1919

Image of wrecked combat aircrafts on the Johannisthal wreckage site.The rest of the aircrafts was sold for demolition (Undated photo).

Glass painting "The German soldier" by Prof. Dr. Ludwig Dettmann

Dettmann made these paintings on behalf of the Prussian Ministry of Culture as a memorial for the fallen soldiers of the World War in the University of Greifswald. It depicts a warrior surrounded by fiery turmoil. It was exhibited in the Prussian Academy of Arts.

Drawing of Skarbina titled: "Hexenkessel Europa" ("Inferno Europe")

This map shows the militarized Europe, where the borders of soldiers, guns, tanks and airplanes are protected. The only exception is Germany, at which population is represented by a peasant family that has no defense. Nevertheless, all weapons are directed almost exclusively towards Germany.

Drawing of Skarbina

The map titled "Is this security" shows a map of Europe, where several guns, tanks, airplanes and soldiers of almost all German neighbours are targeting German territory. Especially the French squad is threatening. The picture is intended to illustrate the vulnerability of Germany.

Map of the standing European armies with reserves according to the English disarmament plans, circa 1920s

This map of Skarbina raises the question: "How would the European armies look like at the adoption of the English plan?" Here are shown the sizes of the standing armies as well as the respective reserves.

Map over a range of Allied planes, around the 1930s

This map is intended to illustrate how defenseless Germany was, that it was exposed to hostile combat aircrafts under the Treaty of Versailles. Within an hour any German city could be attacked, states the message of the map (Undated photo).

Burial of German military passports, 1921

In a barrack yard in Berlin, members of the Allied Control Commission supervise the burning of 32,000 military passports, in this way also controlling the dismantling of the military bureaucracy.

Members of the Allied Control Commission are inspecting a German industrial plant, 1920

The Allied Commission was established to supervise the German disarmament. Here an inspector supervises an industrial facility.

Arrival of English officers in Berlin, 1920

In order to control the disarmament of the German army, English officers were sent to Germany as part of the Allied Control Commission. The photo shows their arrival in Berlin.

English officers in Berlin, 1920

English officers arrive in Berlin to supervise the German disarmament. Here one of them gets into a car.

Dissolution of the NCO school in Potsdam, 1920

The dissolution of all German military schools, including those of the NCO School in Potsdam, was determined in the Treaty of Versailles . Here, generals are making a final roll call with the last promoted corporals.

American small cruiser in the port of Hamburg, 1919

In order to guarantee the disarmament and delivery of the German High Seas Fleet, numerous Allied warships are entering German ports, like this American cruiser in the spring of 1919.

Destruction of gun pipes in Spandau, around 1919

In the Spandau army workshops, guns and military goods are processed for agricultural and industrial purposes (Undated photo).

Dismantling of gun cannons on Heligoland, around 1919

According to the Treaty of Versailles the island of Heligoland had to be dismantled. Here local gunpipes are dismembered by workers (undated photo).

Disarmed aircraft in Berlin-Johannisthal, around 1919

The German air force had to be dissolved in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles. That is why the imperial fighter squadrons were scrapped (Undated photo).

Arrival of the last imperial Jagdstaffeln (fighter squadron) on a scrap yard, around 1919

The prohibition of the German air force imposed by the Treaty of Versailles compels the German air force to dissolve itself and dismantle its aircrafts (undated photo).

Replacement of French troops by Danish troops in the first zone of North Schleswig, 1920

While the Danish (left side) and French (right side) soldiers are building an espalier, Danish officials greet their marching French colleagues by taking off their hats. Subsequently, the Danish district council delivers a speech.

The Grosse Strasse in Flensburg during the vote, 1920

During the vote on remaining in the German Reich, the Grosse Strasse in Flensburg is full of people .The Schleswiger should vote for a stay, the black-white-red flag decoration on the buildings shows the loyalty of the Flensburg people to Germany.Only in the background on the left side of the road is a Danish flag.

Caricature on the title page of the "Simplicissimus" from the 23th of June, 1924

On the caricature is the already bleeding German Michel, who is being tortured by French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau on a stretcher .Clemenceau turns to the people around him with the words: "You hear - he is pleading guilty!"

Rally in Danzig against the separation of Deuschland, 1919

On the hay market thousands protest against the separation of their city from the German Empire forced by the Versailles Treaty.

Protest against the cession of Germany to Poland in Essen, 1929

On the tenth anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles, German nationalists are protesting against the "Schandvertrag" ("shame treaty") with mourning sashes and schoolchildren, who carry the names of the towns stolen by the Poles on table crosses.

Government troops in front of the Berlin Cathedral during the one-day general strike, 1919

The announcement of the conditions of peace led to a series of controversies over the acceptance or rejection of the treaty. Here, German soldiers are set in with a trailer truck to secure the capital.

Stahlhelmfuehrer (steel helmet leader) Franz Seldte supervises the military sports contest of his students in Naumburg, 1932

During the Reichsfuehrertagung (imperial conference) of the Stahlhelmstudentenring (steel helmet student ring) "Langemarck" in Naumburg at the Saale, military campaigns are organized. Here, the small-caliber rifles are presented to the federal leader of the Stahlhelm Seldte (center), before the ranking announcement.

Sealed government quarter during the signing of the Versailles Treaty, 1919

Many Germans protested against the signing of the treaty, which is why the government secured the government quarter with the castle by means of the Reichswehr and barbed wire.

Berlin school children are looking at a map of Germany, 1932

On the map entitled "Germany's Bleeding Boundaries" not only the lost territories of Germany are depicted, but also how deeply hostile airplanes can penetrate into the imperial territory. A teacher points to these indicated regions.

"Barbarossa's Awakening", 1931

This work, presented at the "Allgemeine Unabhaengiges Ausstellung" ("General Independent Exhibition") in the festival hall of the Potsdam airship port work shows World War veterans reinforced by Stahlhelm members who enter the Kyffhaeuser where, instead of an imperial crown, they put a steel helmet on Barbarossa's head. Barbarossa's house dwarf handed him a sword for the upcoming fight.

"Die Kriegsschuldluege" (War Guilt Lie) by Professor Wiese, 1929

In this oil painting, which is directed against the sole guilt of Germany laid down in the Treaty of Versailles at the outbreak of the war in 1914, stands the peace-loving Germania, and on the shield the saying "IN PACEM VIVERE". On the right, the patron of Germany archangel Michael, who is pointing to the danger of an attack on Germany from behind. In fact, in the background, troops of demons and devils are on their way to attack Germany. The picture suggests an honest Germany that is attacked by treacherous enemies.

Berlin protests against the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France, 1919

Many Germans protested against the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to France. On this protest demonstration with a black-white-red flag, there is a sign with the inscription "1648-1684 Louis XIV stole the German Alsace, in 1919 Clemenceau steals it!"

Berlin rally of Youth Associations from the Occupied and Disturbed Areas of East Germany and Austria, 1921

In the summer of 1921 youth groups from the endangered areas gathered in the east at the foot of the Bismarckwarte on the Mueggelberg near Berlin to demonstrate against the cession to Poland. Gustav Stresemann speaks to the participants framed by the imperial flag.

"Defeat and Survival" by Arthur Kampf, 1924

In this picture the decline of Germany is mourned and the youth are asked to defend themselves against the Treaty of Versailles. Here is shown a broken half-naked family, on the right the German imperial eagle as a sign of the elevation of Germany symbolically against the sunbeams.

Mass demonstration in Schneidemuehl, 1919

In the town of Schneidmuehl that formerly belonged to Poznan the inhabitants protest against the annexation of the city to the Polish territory.

Election rally in Upper Silesia, 1922

On the first anniversary of the vote on the remain of Upper Silesia in the Reich a demonstration is held, at which the Prelate and Reichstag deputy of the Center Carl Ulitzka (center of the photo) holds a speech against the separation of a part of Upper Silesia.

The population of Hulchin protests against the deprivation of self-determination right, 1919

Residents of the Hlucin Region, which was annexed to the newly founded Czechoslovakia without a referendum, protest against this provision of the Treaty of Versailles in front of the town brewery and the guesthouse "Goldene Krone" ("Golden Crown").

Mass protest against Polish violence in Gliwice, 1930

On the Ring in Gliwice, a cross-party mass event took place, in which the participants protested unanimously against the anti-German actions of Poland and assured their fellow-citizens living east of the border of their solidarity.

Call of theF reikorps of Luettwitz to fight the Poles before the elections in the East, 1919

After the Poles had attempted to create accomplished facts even before the elections in the East, there were struggles with German Freikorps .With this Hamburg poster, the department promotes for itself under Walther Freiherr von Luettwitz.It depicts a soldier, who defends himself against a dragon, the inscription says: "Comrade help me! Against Bolshevism, the danger of Poland and famine. Sign up immediately at the German Schutzdivision. "

Commemorative badge of the election in the east, around 1920

After the election in the east, the Prussian and Reich Minister of the Interior approved the issue of this badge. It was issued by the "Bund heimattreuer Ost- und Westpreussen e.V." (Confederation of East and West Prussia) On it the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order, as well as the election date, 11.7.1920. The honorary badge was available as a needle for men, and as a brooch or as a pendant for women (undated photo).

The West Prussian Cross at Weissenberg in East Prussia, around 1939

With remembrance crosses like this in the trijunction between Poland, Danzig and East Prussia was buoyed the remembrance of the Germans on the lost eastern territories. On the cross it says "West Prussia the indivisible German Weichseland", below the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order (Undated photo).

The West Prussian Cross at Weissenberg in East Prussia, 1939

Memorials and remembrance crosses like this at the trijunction between Poland, Danzig and East Prussia kept the memory of the former East German regions alive in the German population. On the Cross of West Prussia it says: "West Prussia the indivisible German Weichselland."

The returning East Germans are be welcomed at the Schleischen Bahnhof (Silesian Railway Station) in Berlin around 1920

The inhabitants of the eastern border return to their homes by train after they participated in a rally in Berlin for the remain of the eastern territories in the Reich. Here they are celebrated one last time by the Berliners before their departure.

Leave-taking of the returning East Germans at the Silesian Railway Station in Berlin, around 1920

Residents from the eastern territories of the empire return home after a demonstration in Berlin. Here, one of them holds a speech at the Silesian Railway Station.

Grenzdeutsche (Germans living at the borders of the German Reich) holding a rally in Berlin on the referendum in the eastern territories, 1920

The Grenzdeutsche (Germans living on the borders of the Reich) carry signs and banners, on which they promote the remain of the eastern territories in the Reich. A banner says for example: "On July the 11th We vote for Germany." And "West Prussia: the home awaits you".

Protest in Beuthen against the division of Upper Silesia, around 1921/22

In Upper Silesian Beuthen residents protest with a public demonstration against the fragmentation of Upper Silesia between Germany and the newly founded Poland.

Demonstration of the Berlin Student Union for the Preservation of Upper Silesia, around 1921/22

In the assembly hall of the University of Berlin students protest against the allocation plans of the Allies and for the remain of Upper Silesia in the German Reich.

Burned house in Upper Silesia, 1920

Polish insurgents burned down many houses in the German settlement Anhalt after the referendum in March.

Withdrawal of English soldiers from Opole, around the 1920s

The Allied soldiers, who observed the Upper Silesian elections, finally withdrew from the occupation area. Here Englishmen march out of Oppeln (Undated photo).

An SS man and a customs officer stand in front of a boundary stone between Poland and Germany, 1933

The inscription on the stone points to the demarcation of the Treaty of Versailles, which was unacceptable to the Germans, especially to the National Socialists. Here a man in an SS uniform (left) goes with a customs official on patrol.

Wroclaw high school students as volunteers for border protection, 1919

For the fighting between Germans and Poles, many students registered at the Freikorps and the border guards, as these boys in Breslau, who are on their way to their training place.

German border soldiers during the laying of a telephone line in Opole, Upper Silesia, 1919

Soldiers of the border guards equip the building of the German border guard commando with a telephone line.

Inhabitants of Katowice waiting for water, around the 1920s

Shortage of water was not a rarity during the Polish uprisings in Upper Silesia. Like these Katowice inhabitants, many had to take care of their water supply (Undated photo).

Inhabitants of Katowice waiting for water, around the 1920s

Shortage of water was not a rarity during the Polish uprisings in Upper Silesia. Like these Katowice inhabitants, many had to take care of their water supply (Undated photo).

Distribution of water by firefighting pumps in Katowice, around the 1920s

The uprisings in Upper Silesia also affected the population. Shortage of water was not a rarity, here several men distribute water to residents of Kattowitz by means of pumps of the fire brigade.

Distribution of water by firefighting pumps in Katowice, around the 1920s

The uprisings in Upper Silesia also affected the population. Shortage of water was not a rarity, here several men distribute water to residents of Kattowitz by means of pumps of the fire brigade.

French soldiers at the railway station of Gliwice, around the 1920s

Allied soldiers at the elections in Upper Silesia. Here, they clean and guard the station in Gliwice (undated photo) together with the police.

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