Making the Peace Ch. 14 Sec. 4
The Costs of War The Financial Toll Political Turmoil Millions of soldiers were dead and more wounded Deadly flu pandemic killed 20 mill + The Financial Toll From France to Russia had to rebuild Allies insisted that the losers make reparations Central Powers looked for a scapegoat Political Turmoil Rus, Ger, AH, Ottoman governments had fallen Radicals dreamed of change Colonial troops returned home with hopes for independence
The Paris Peace Conference Allies met to discuss the fate of Europe Central Powers and Russia were not invited Conflicting Goals Woodrow Wilson (US)- wanted “Peace without Victory” based on 14 points David Lloyd George (GB)- wanted to rebuild Britain; would cost money George Clemanceau (Fr)- wanted to weaken Germany so it could no longer be powerful Problems with Peace Too many countries wanted different outcomes Territories lost by Russia wanted independence
Treaty forced Germany to Treaty of Versailles Treaty forced Germany to assume full blame for causing the war Pay reparations Limited size of their military Returned Alsace and Loraine to France Removed miles of German territory Stripped Germany of its overseas colonies Germans were forced to sign
Outcome of the Peace Settlements Allies drew up separate treaties with the different Central Powers Self-Determination in Eastern Europe Former Ger, AH, Russ lands became independent The Mandate System Colonies thought they would be free Allied powers took over Central power’s colonies Many people felt betrayed The League of Nations Offers Hope 40+ nations joined US did not join- did not want to fight future European wars League could not prevent war