USA HISTORY

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM(1890 1919)

LEAGUE OF NATIONS

[SOURCES]
Which area saw a peaceful plebiscite between Germany and Poland?

(A) Aaland Islands

(B) Corfu

(C) ** Upper Silesia

(D) Siberia

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -The Versailles Treaty called plebiscites in Upper Silesia, North Schleswig, and the adjacent East and West Prussian districts Allenstein and Marienwerder, areas amounting to some 12, 000 square miles and inhabited by 3.3 million people.

Concept note-2: -The most significant of these plebiscites was the one in Upper Silesia, since the region was a principal industrial center.

Concept note-3: -❖ In 1921 a plebiscite was organised by the League to decide whether Upper Silesia would become German or Polish territory. Britain and France sent troops to ensure the vote was democratic. ❖ Germany won 60% of the votes, but Poland argued that many of those that voted for Germany did not live in Upper Silesia.

Concept note-4: -The plebiscite in Upper Silesia was held on March 20, 1921. 40.3 percent voted in favor of joining Poland, 59.4 percent voted to remain within Germany.

Concept note-5: -In 1921, there was a disagreement over the future of Upper Silesia. Both Germany and Poland claimed the territory as their own. The League stepped in to assist those countries. They send League armed forces to occupy the area whilst the issue was resolved.