Topic: Why Did Wilson and the Versailles Treaty Fail? Do Now: “It must be a peace without victory....Victory would mean peace forced upon the loser …Only a peace between equals can last”. -President Wilson Send out a Tweet- what do you think of this portion of Wilson’s war message to Congress
Wilson and the End of WW I 11/11/18: Germany sues for an armistice WW I halted Wilson goes to France to begin negotiating the peace treaty Wilson as the “most popular American ever” Each ally has different goals The “Big Four” Wilson’s goal: to create the League of Nations Wilson’s big mistakes Party politics Wilson vs. Clemenceau (the tiger) Treaty of Versailles Germany to pay reparations, etc. But, the League is created
The Conflict at Home: “Breaking the Heart of the World” Wilson returns home, wants treaty approved Republicans now in control of Senate Republicans not happy w/ Wilson, Treaty Article X is disputed Irreconcilables Reservationists (Henry Cabot Lodge) Wilson’s Speaking Tour Wilson’s stroke, unwilling to compromise Versailles Treaty never ratified US does not join the League of Nations 1920: “Solemn Referendum” Republicans win Congress, the Presidency (Harding) End of Progressive Era
Conclusion Who is to blame for the failure of the US to join the league of nations? Explain your answer.