THE RHINELAND CONFLICT
-Liam Odynsky
Many conflicts arose during the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, but one certain conflict stood out above all the rest. And it began the moment that France requested 20 billion German marks (or a least the equivalent in resources) from Germany in compensation for the destruction of the French Industry. And if they fail to pay this, then they will hand over ownership of the industrial German state of Rhineland to produce for France until the debt is paid. You may feel that France’s claim to Rhineland seems a little extreme, but you have to put this in perspective. During the war, the Germans seized control of much of France’s industry, which France fought to take back, and in the struggle most of it was destroyed, leaving France’s industry in complete and utter ruin. This is why they wanted Germany to pay them back, as the German Industry was hardly damaged at all during the war.
Germany however, was not happy about that, as Rhineland was one of their primary sources of Industry, and there was no way that Germany could pay, and so if France’s idea was agreed upon by the other countries and the judges, then France would be forced to give up Rhineland.
The problem then arises that this not only poses a problem for Germany, but it conflicts with the United Kingdom of Great Britain’s claim on Rhineland. The United Kingdom made an even higher request for monetary compensation at 35 billion pounds over 5 years to compensate for the incredible loss of British soldiers at German hands (Which Germany is very upset about, as Germany lost way more soldiers than Britain, yet THEY have to pay Britain). Either that, or Germany can pay them 25 billion pounds over 5 years and grant them ownership of Rhineland. And given that Germany has no way of paying those 35 billion pounds, they would be forced to give up Rhineland, but how do you give 1 territory to two different countries? It’s easier than you’d think, and I’ll tell you how. The United Kingdom of Great Britain agreed that they would take Rhineland after it was used to pay back France, and as long as it was promised to be given to them when France was done with it, then they were happy to agree.
And this is where the good old United States of America comes in. They, out of nowhere, begin defending Germany, claiming that Germany, despite claiming themselves to be, and I quote “the bad guys”, were the victims of this conference. They claim that Rhineland should stay belonging to Germany, and not go to France or Great Britain. They, of course, would also set up a military base and have military presence in the Rhineland. This would go completely against the USA’s very own Monroe Doctrine, which basically said that the United States would not take any land in Europe and in exchange Europe would stay out of America. They defend against this by saying that Rhineland would still be under German rule, just the United State’s troops would defend Rhineland against possible invasions.
Neither France nor Britain are happy about this, and Britain drops any claims to Rhineland, instead supporting France’s claim to it. That’s when the delegates from France brought up the situation Germany is in. France already has their troops in Rhineland, and if Germany doesn’t pay them back, then those troops will suddenly will feel no need to leave. And if the United States of America tries to bring any troops in, then both The United Kingdom of Great Britain and France will implement an embargo on the US. In the end, the judges make the decision to turn Rhineland into a demilitarized independent state under the League of Nations. All tax funds collected would be split as follows: ¼ to Germany, ¼ to maintaining the state, and ½ to paying reparations.When Germany has fully recovered and reparations are paid in full, all the money shall go to maintaining the state and peacekeeping operations.