PROCESS TO PEACE END OF WWI
Germany sought an armistice (cease fire) on October 3, 1918
ATTEMPTS TO WORLD PEACE Wilson’s speech Fourteen Points – plan based on what was “right” morally and ethically for ALL nations Listed the war aims of the United States
POINTS #1-5 General principles for peace with Germany open covenants for peace seas were free for all economic barriers removed equal trade colonial claims were to be readjusted
POINTS #6-13 Addressed Territorial readjustments to… Russia, Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, Italy, Austria-Hungary, the Balkans, Turkey, and Poland
POINT #14 Called for a “general association of nations” Set up the League of Nations
FORMAL PEACE – TREATY OF VERSAILLES November 11, 1918 at 11:00am armistice signed 11/11/18 at 11:00am Armistice Day Veteran’s Day June 28, 1919 Treaty was signed at the Paris Peace Conference
TREATY OF VERSAILLES Treaty forced Germany to assume blame for starting the war Forced Germany to sign Included the formation of the League of Nations Germany was forced to give up territories, pay reparations, and reduce its military force
LEAGUE OF NATIONS Organized to prevent future conflicts through cooperation Organization took place in Geneva, Switzerland in 1920
WHERE WAS THE US? US Senate never ratified (signed)the Treaty of Versailles Not apart of League of Nations
WHY DIDN’T WE SIGN THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES? 1.President Wilson lost Republican support (Senate was dominantly Republican) 2.US citizens felt sympathy towards Germany 3.Senate was dominantly Isolationist and didn't like the League of Nations Sometimes people call me an idealist. Well, that is the way I know I am an American... America is the only idealist nation in the world.” —President Woodrow Wilson Sometimes people call me an idealist. Well, that is the way I know I am an American... America is the only idealist nation in the world.” —President Woodrow Wilson National I must remain and in that way I, like all other Americans, can render the amplest service to the world.” —Senator Henry Cabot Lodge National I must remain and in that way I, like all other Americans, can render the amplest service to the world.” —Senator Henry Cabot Lodge
RESULT US enacted isolationist policy