A Flawed Peace

The Allies Meet And Debate With the armistice signed, the combat/killing stopped – terms of peace had to be worked out On January 18, 1919 a conference was held at the Palace of Versailles where delegates from 32 nations met to decide on peace terms (Paris Peace Conference) While there were many delegates, a Group of leaders known as the Big Four dominate peace talks - held the most power/made the decisions: Woodrow Wilson – U.S. (President) Georges Clemenceau – France (Prime Minister) David Lloyd George - Great Britain (Chancellor) Vittorio Orlando - Italy (prime minister) Russia, in the middle of a civil war was not represented; nor were Germany and its allies Some countries (France) wanted to punish Germany/allies severely; other countries (U.S.) wanted reprimands/reparations but not outright hostility Some delegates warned that Germany should be present – could give rise to future hostility (still weren’t included)

Woodrow’s Plan For Peace Wilson proposed Fourteen Points — Agreements amongst nations that made an outline for lasting world peace Called for free trade by sea, end to secret alliances, reduced militaries, etc. Promoted Self-determination—right of people to govern their own nation Specifically, he wanted European nations to let their colonies go – not be under European rule anymore (imperialism had contributed to WWI) Fourteenth point was a general association of nations that would protect great and small states alike – An international peace-keeping body (United Nations) U.S leader Woodrow Wilson had a more diplomatic/idealistic approach towards dealing with Germany Tried to limit the economic impact on Germany – wanted Germany to keep some of its factories/industry – other nations wanted to shut them down Also concerned that German sentiment may turn towards Communism – due to proximity with Russia (undergoing a revolution)

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

The Versailles Treaty Britain and France oppose Wilson’s ideas; want to punish Germany Skeptical of Wilson’s idealism in the 14 points – just fought a devastating world war – do exactly what Wilson didn’t want them to – alienate Germany 1919 - Allies/Germany sign Treaty of Versailles - Was not in Germany’s favor Officially ended WWI Created League of Nations—international organization to keep peace – precursor to United Nations (Met in Geneva, Switzerland) Broke-up Austrian-Hungarian/Ottoman empires – Austria, Hungary, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, etc. Forced Germany to pay war damages (33 billion dollars in reparations) – Especially to France, Poland and Ukraine – Finished paying back those debts in 2010 League to rule German colonies until deemed ready for independence - Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda Could have no more than 100,000 soldiers; no tanks Had to give part of the Rhineland to France; other portions to other countries (Poland, Denmark, etc.) Germans felt betrayed by the terms of the treaty – were angry at having to pay wartime damages

New Nations and Mandates Treaty of Versailles was just one of five treaties negotiated by the Allies – one that had the most impact Created feelings of bitterness and betrayal – Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire all lost lands (broke into smaller countries) – Austria, Hungary, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, etc. New regions/states were created in Europe– Serbia, Montenegro, etc. become Yugoslavia, The Allies carved up the lands that used to belong to the Ottomans: Britain received mandates (political control) of Palestine and Iraq, France got mandates for Syria and Lebanon Russia lost territory to Poland and Romania; Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became independent nations

“A Peace Built On Quicksand” The U.S. Senate prevented delegates from actually signing the treaty – didn’t want to have entangling alliances or tie up the nation’s sovereignty to a foreign entity (League of Nations) Many citizens believed that America should stay out of Europe/World’s affairs after WWI ended – isolationism German people feel betrayed after taking blame for war – forced to sign a war-guilt clause admitting to starting World War I – could be argued that they didn’t Some former colonies express anger over not winning independence from colonial rule Colonies were drawn into the war effort by suppling recruits, money, etc. Thought that fighting in the war would give their countries freedom – did not happen for most colonies – all talk about self-determination Japan and Italy criticized agreement – they entered the war to gain territory but they gained less land/concessions than they wanted from the treaty Since U.S. is not a part of the League of Nations, and it was the strongest country after World War I, the league was powerless to enforce policies/settle disputes Other nations know the league is powerless – do what they want