WWI: Negotiating Peace “The War to End All Wars”

What do you see? What do you think? What questions do you have?

What was the hardest part about coming up with your top 6 Treaty Terms yesterday? Did you and your partner agree on everything?

World War I ended on 11/11/1918. It was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but agreeing on terms of peace proved problematic.

Russia withdrew their troops in 1917 Germans began moving all troops to Western Front 1918 Allies launched offensive to reach Sedan railroad in Northern France…and succeeded November 11, 1918-armistice to end the war

8 million died, 21 million injured European infrastructure was destroyed

Introduction to the Peace Negotiations for WWI From January to June 1919, U.S. president Woodrow Wilson and European powers met at the Palace of Versailles, outside of Paris, to decide the peace terms for the treaty with Germany to end World War I. Representatives from the European powers included President Gerogres Clemenceau from France, Prime Minister David Lloyd George from Great Britain, and President Vittorio Orlando from Italy. They were joined by representatives from over 30 countries. However, it was these four men, collectively known as the “Big Four,” who ultimately negotiated the most important provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

Directions for Part 1 1.Note: For this activity, the interests of the European Allies at Versailles-Italy, France, and England-are represented singularly and more generally rather than individually and specific. 2.You and your partner will become an expert on either Wilson or the European powers by reading the Treaty Terms handout and either the handout Objectives of President Wilson or Objectives of European Powers and discussing it with your partner. 3.With your partner, chose the six treaty terms that would be most important for the person/people you’re representing…then PUT THEM IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE!!! 4.Write down your top six terms and why you picked them on the handout Objectives of President Wilson or Objectives of European Powers.

1.Meet with a pair that represents the other leaders-one pair representing Wilson and one pair representing the European powers. The group of four must agree on, write and sign a treaty that includes six terms in order of importance. Wilson’s side should lay out their terms in order on their desks and explain the reasons for the rankings. European powers should lay out their terms in order on their desks and explain the reasons for the rankings. 2.Negotiate the treaty. You have two objectives: Ensuring world peace Protecting the interests of the leaders you represent Treaties must have 6 terms and must be signed by both parties. 3.Your group may be asked to share the peace treaty with the class. Directions for Part 2

What made negotiations difficult?

Germany cannot maintain an army Created 9 new countries Germany must pay $33 billion in war reparations Humiliated Germany by making them sign a war guilt clause

Called: The Fourteen Points Designed to: eliminate causes of war Reduce European armaments Called for League of Nations…League members would resolve conflicts and respect one another’s independence and territories Which of Wilson’s points do you think was the most important?

Treaty of Versailles – Date: June 28, 1919 – Decided upon by the “Big Four,” the four largest victorious nations: 1) Wilson (United States) 2) David Lloyd George (Great Britain) 3) George Clemenceau (France) 4) Vittorio Orlando (Italy)

End Secret treaties & alliances Freedom of the Seas End all trade conflicts to encourage free trade Reduce weapon stockpiles to make countries safe during times of peace The empires’ colonies should be independent League of Nations Germany cannot maintain an army Created 9 new countries Germany must pay $33 billion in war reparations Humiliated Germany by making them sign a war guilt clause

What 3 differences do you recognize between the map of 1914(left) and 1920 (right)

Americans voted not to join League of Nations. Why?

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