End of WWI 14 Points and the Treaty of Versailles

Spanish Influenza The disease quickly spread across the Western Front through the trenches. ½ of all Americans who died in WW1 died from this. It is believed it started in Kansas at Fort Riley and a soldier who went overseas spread it. (This is uncertain.)

Wilson’s 14 Points Wilson wanted a “just and lasting peace.” His plan for peace was called the 14 Points. His first four points called for Open Diplomacy- Open diplomacy means the negotiations and discussions carried out in handling affairs without arousing hostility. His points called for freedom of the seas, removal of trade barriers and reduction of military arms.

14 Points The next eight points dealt with self- determination: The right of people to decide their own political status. The last point called for the formation of the League of Nations.

Paris Peace Conference President Wilson became the first president to visit Europe while in office. The Paris Peace Conference began January 12, Leaders from 32 countries were present. Big Four: British prime minister, French premier, Italian Prime Minister, and President Wilson. No leaders from the Central Powers were present.

Paris Peace Conference Wilson wanted peace and open trade. Many others just wanted Germany to pay. At the Paris Peace Conference they came up with the Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles The allies came to an agreement. It was much harsher towards Germany than President Wilson wanted. Some aspects of the Treaty of Versailles: Germany had to disarm its military forces. Germans had to pay reparations: payments for damages and expenses caused by the war. Germans had to accept full responsibility for starting the War. (War Guilt Clause)

Continued The Treaty did establish The League of Nations. The Treaty created nine new nations. (Examples: Czechoslavakia, Poland, and Yugoslavia) The Central Powers had to surrender all of their colonies. Germany strongly protested and even threatened France with a military response but in the end they signed the Treaty.

Europe Before/After WWI

League of Nations and the U.S. President Wilson did not like many of the changes. He brought back the Treaty to the United States to try and get approval. While on tour giving speeches across the country Wilson had a stroke and collapsed. He was bedridden for the rest of his term. The United States never joined the League of Nations.

Impacts of WWI Much of Europe was economically devastated. This left the US as one of the most powerful economic nations. Americans felt inflation after WWI and many farmers suffered without European markets to sell to. Women who had joined the workforce led to woman’s suffrage in Many European nations had lost almost an entire generation of young men.

Impacts WWI left too many issues unresolved. WWII will break out only a couple of decades later.