Reichswehr

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/reichswehr

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the official designation?Reichswehr (Reich Defence)
2. What is the treaty of versailles military limit?Approximately 100,000 active personnel
3. Why was the Reichswehr so small?The Treaty of Versailles said Germany could not have a big army. It limited the number of soldiers and banned heavy weapons like tanks and an air force. So the Reichswehr had to stay small and focus on being well‑trained.
4. How did the Reichswehr keep its soldiers skilled?The Reichswehr used a "cadre army" idea. It kept a small group of experienced officers and non‑commissioned officers. They could quickly train more soldiers if Germany was allowed to grow its army later.

Treaty of Versailles: The 1919 peace treaty that imposed harsh terms on Germany after World War I.
State within a State: An entity with significant power and autonomy, operating alongside but not fully controlled by the government.
Clandestine Rearmament: Secret efforts to rebuild military strength in violation of international agreements.