From January to June 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and The representatives of the European powers met at the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris, to decide the terms of Peace.
Major objectives: Ensuring World Peace Protecting the interests of the countries represented These often were in conflict Representatives from over 30 countries attended. However, the “Big Four” negotiated the most important provisions of the Treaty of Versailles
From left, UK Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, and US President Woodrow Wilson
What made negotiation the treaty difficult? What were Wilson’s objectives at Versailles? How did Wilson’s objectives differ from those of the European powers? Why did the two sides have such different objectives? Which side’s goals had a better chance of achieving world peace and European security? Why?
Germany must admit blame for WWI Germany must pay total cost of war Germany’s army limit in size Germany’s naval fleet turned over to Allies Germany’s colonial possessions divided by Allies
Austria-Hungary, divided into four independent nations: Austria Hungary Yugoslavia Czechoslovakia Five other independent countries established along Germany’s border with the Soviet Union: Poland Finland Estonia Latvia Lithuania League of nations and World Court Established
Secret Treaties Freedom of the seas/Rights of neutral powers at sea Free Trade, except required of Germany Only Germany required to reduce army/armaments
Many in Congress questioned the League of Nations (Wilson considered this the most important part) Wilson refused to compromise on Article 10 (might have led to foreign wars without approval of Congress) Wilson toured the country trying to get public approval Election of 1920 “referendum on League of Nations” Warren G. Harding (Rep.) defeated Wilson U.S. Signed separate peace agreement with Germany