The Treaty of Versailles Central Historical Question: Did the writers of the Treaty of Versailles have a duty to only work to stop future wars or did they have the right to take out revenge on Germany?    

November 11, 1918 – Germany Surrenders

Differing Allied Goals. U.S President Woodrow Wilson wanted world peace. This peace was called the Fourteen Points. These points included the reduction of weapons and the right of all people to choose their own governments. He also proposed forming an organization in which the world’s nations would join to protect one another from aggression.

The other Allies Not everyone shared Wilson’s goals. In fact, the leaders of the four major allies- Great Britain, France and Italy wanted to punish Germany for all the damage of the war. Clemenceau (France) also wanted Germany to pay for the costs of the war.

Reparations The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to pay an enormous amount of money to the war’s victims. The treaty also assessed responsibility for the war to Germany. Other parts of the Treaty of Versailles were designed to weaken Germany. The treaty forced Germany to limit the size of its military. Germany also had to return conquered lands to France and to Russia.

League of Nations The treaty established the League of Nations based on Woodrow Wilson’s plan for an organization of world governments in his 14 points. The League’s main goals were to encourage international cooperation and keep peace between nations. Germany was excluded The U.S. government did not decide to join. Ramírez, Susan E., Peter N. Stearns, Samuel S. Wineburg, and Steven A. Goldberg. World History: Human Legacy. Orlando, FL: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 2008. Print.

Peace and Future Cannon Fodder The Tiger: “Curious! I seem to hear a child weeping!” Vocab: Cannon Fodder: soldiers regarded or treated as expendable in battle By Will Dyson Daily Herald, May 13, 1919