After WWI After WWI After the armistice was signed, the leaders of the Allies and the Central Powers met in Paris to discuss the terms of the peace.

This event was known as the Paris Peace Conference. ◦It is a very important event for Canada. ◦Prime Minister Robert Borden fought for Canada to have its own independent seat at the conference. ◦Canada was NOT represented by Britain – Canada was becoming autonomous.

The Paris Peace Conference

At the end of the Paris Peace Conference, the Treaty of Versailles was created and signed by the leaders of both sides. ◦This treaty is also important for Canada. ◦Borden (Canada) signed it. In the past, Britain would have signed all of our treaties for us. ◦Canada was becoming autonomous.

New World Map

What was the treaty of Versailles like? ◦The British and the French basically used the treaty to punish and weaken Germany.  Germany had to agree to a “war guilt clause”. It accepted responsibility for starting the war.  Germany had to pay reparations totalling $30 billion.  Germany was to give away territory to France and to the newly independent country of Poland.  The German military would be limited to 100,000 men, with no u-boats and no airforce.

What do you think the strengths and weaknesses of this treaty were? ◦The Treaty of Versailles also established an international organization whose purpose was to promote peace. This organization became known as the League of Nations. The League of Nations was: ◦Based on the principle of collective security (if one member is attacked, all members come to its aid).

The League of Nations

...BUT it had many weaknesses ◦It could only punish aggressive nations through trade sanctions. ◦It did not have a military force of its own. ◦Some very powerful countries never became members, including the USA.