‘This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years’: the origins of the Second World War
Stephen Goss
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional historian
- Fee:
- Paid: £90.00
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 25th October 2023
- Tagged:
- 1939-45 | 1930S | 20Th Century | Second World War
Supreme Allied Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch accepted the German surrender in November 1918. The peace terms he advocated were so punitive that German would not have posed a threat to France again. According to Churchill, when he heard the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Foch responded: ‘this is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years’. He was proved right.
This talk covers the international and domestic chaos into which the once Great Powers were thrown by the First World War. It addresses the grievances of the defeated powers which led to the rise of extreme left and right-wing regimes. It outlines the political state of the victorious nations in the inter-war period, the impact of the Great Depression, the failure of the League of Nations, as well as the origins and effect of appeasement.
The Great War was supposed to be the war to end all wars. This talk explains why the most devastating conflict the world has ever know occurred a mere two decades later.
Views: 267 | Enquiries: 0About Stephen Goss
An academic historian published in peer-review journals who has been a popular speaker in local historical societies and community groups for a decade.
With me you get history based on the highest standard of research and analysis - presented in an engaging, witty and enjoyable way. I tailor my talks to suit your audience; I guarantee you will be fascinated with the insights and hear humorous anecdotes which will stay with you.
I am also a multiple award-winning tour guide with 100% positive reviews on TripAdvisor. If you would like a walking tour, or a combined talk and walk, please contact me. Each of my talks are accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation. I can provide laptop, projector, microphone and speaker if necessary.
However, as an Ulsterman, I can address any size of audience effectively without aid, and nonetheless ensure it is engaging. Let me know what you need and I am happy to accommodate.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Stephen Goss
- The war that no one wanted: the origins of the First World War
- The Secret history: Britain and the Cold War
- From Doomsday Book to listening in for doomsday: Caversham Park’s 930 years at the centre of history
- 'This is the room from which I will direct the war': Churchill and the Cabinet War Rooms
- From Partition to Protocol: the history of Northern Ireland – Part I: Union to Home Rule Crisis
- From Partition to Protocol: the history of Northern Ireland – Part II: division to Windsor Framework
- No tolerance of undeserving rank and splendour: the wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act I
- No tolerance of undeserving rank and splendour: the wit & satire of Gilbert & Sullivan – Act II
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