Summaries and OPVLS for primary source documents :)

Document 3.1:

Quick Summary:

In this source, Georges Clemenceau is articulating the French posistion regarding Germany in his statement that was made at the Paris Peace Conference.

OPVL:

The origin of this source is Georges Clemenceau, the prime minister of France at the time of the Paris Peace Conference. He made up part of the Big Four along with David Llyod George of Britain, Vittorio Orlando of Italy, and Woodrow Wilson of the United States. This source has a distinct purpose of outlining France's strong views towards Germany and what he believes should happen in regards to their future. This source is invaluable in that it provides an insight into the countrys [Frances] view of Germany and how to handle them at this point. Clemenceau also was one portion of the Big Four, which gave him incredible insight and knowledge on the subject. Although this source is extremely credible, it is also severly limited. It only shows one opinion on how to solve the 'German Problem'; it also lacks historical perspective.

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Document 3.2

Quick Summary:

In this source, Hitler is basically stating that the German people should form a front against the injustices of The Treaty of Versailles. He also states that when peace treaties put such harsh restrictions on a country, (such as Germany); they are "striking the first roll of drums for the uprising to come". (McDonough 65).

OPVL

The origin of the source is from Hitler, a German chancellor turned ruthless dictator. He wrote this book Mein Kamph ['My Struggle'] as a way to outline what Germany was to do next in order to advance their society and be progressive. The purpose was to rally the German people against the writers of the Treat of Versaille. He also used this in order to point out every horrible thing that was happening to the German people as a result of the signing of the Treaty. He played on the anxieties of the German people, and gained massive support in this way. This sources value lies in the fact that it came from the head of Germany at this time and outlined what was to happen later. Although this source is very helpful, it is also quite limited. Its limitation is that it only shows the view of Germanys dictator and gives a biased view of the German opinion. It also lacks any historical perspective whatsoever.