Saar Region

Definition

The Saar Region is an area located in northeastern France and southwestern Germany, primarily known for its rich coal deposits and industrial significance. After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles placed the Saar under the administration of the League of Nations for 15 years, a decision that was meant to ensure the region's resources were not used to rebuild Germany's military power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Saar Region was administered by the League of Nations from 1920 until 1935, when a plebiscite allowed its residents to choose between returning to Germany or remaining under League control.
2. The region's coal mines were a crucial resource for both France and Germany, making its control a contentious issue post-World War I.
3. The 1935 plebiscite resulted in about 90% of voters opting to return to German control, highlighting nationalist sentiments among the Saar residents.
4. The Treaty of Versailles aimed to weaken Germany by stripping it of key industrial territories like the Saar, reflecting broader European concerns about German militarism.
5. The Saar's return to Germany in 1935 was part of a series of aggressive moves by Hitler that eventually led to World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the Saar Region's administration under the League of Nations reflect the goals of the Treaty of Versailles?
  • The administration of the Saar Region under the League of Nations was intended to limit Germany's ability to rebuild its military and industrial strength after World War I. By placing this resource-rich area under international control, the Treaty aimed to prevent future aggression from Germany. This setup illustrated how the Allies sought to manage post-war reparations and curb potential threats through territorial oversight.
• Discuss the significance of the plebiscite held in the Saar Region in 1935 and its implications for European politics at that time.
  • The 1935 plebiscite in the Saar Region was significant because it demonstrated the strong desire for reunification with Germany among its residents. With about 90% voting in favor of returning to German control, this event showcased rising nationalist sentiments and highlighted weaknesses in the League of Nations' ability to maintain peace. The outcome contributed to a shift in balance within Europe, as it emboldened Hitler's expansionist policies leading up to World War II.
• Evaluate how the control and eventual return of the Saar Region influenced international relations and tensions in Europe leading up to World War II.
  • The control and eventual return of the Saar Region were pivotal moments that influenced international relations in Europe. Initially administered by the League of Nations, its later return to Germany reflected a failure of collective security measures designed to prevent conflict. This not only bolstered German nationalism but also signaled a lack of effective responses from other European powers to Hitler's aggressive actions. The Saar's reintegration into Germany served as a precursor to further territorial expansions by Nazi Germany, escalating tensions that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles:

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

League of Nations:

An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, though it ultimately failed to prevent further conflicts.

Reparations: Payments imposed on Germany after World War I as compensation for the damages caused during the war.