The end of the war to end all wars: Armistice and Aftermath

Wilson’s wishes From the moment the U.S. went to war, President Wilson believed idealistically that the U.S. could transform the war in old Europe into a crusade for a more democratic world order. As America began to mobilize in 1917, he brought together a group of scholars called “The Inquiry” to help him shape a clear statement of U.S. war aims. January 8, 1918 speech: “The 14 Points”

The 14 Points Eight of the points specifically dealt with territorial settlements and redrawing the boundaries of nations in postwar Europe. Ignore/cross out VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII in the handout given to you. Team up with a partner and put the other six into bullet points in your own words and rank them in order of value and importance:

November 11, 1918 Germany’s spring 1918 offensive failed and the Allies continued to advance in the summer and fall. Then, Germany proposed an armistice to Wilson based on the 14 Points.

The final toll 17 million military and civilian deaths; 2/3 in battle 20 million wounded United States:

The Versailles Peace Conference Wilson decides to lead the American delegation personally; brings only one member of the Republican Party. Joined by Italy’s Vittorio Orlando, France’s Georges Clemenceau, Britain’s David Lloyd George; more interested in revenge and selfish interests than Wilson’s idealistic vision. June 28, 1919: German delegation signs a harshly punitive treaty.

Terms of the treaty

Other results of the treaty Colonized people did not gain independence as Wilson intended. The colonies of Germany and the Ottoman Empire were given to Allies under a “mandate” system. The map of the Middle East was redrawn by the Allies and many new artificial countries were created (more on this later).

1914

1918

The Fight Over The League of Nations Wilson focused on the one shining achievement: the creation of a new international organization, The League of Nations. February, 1919: 39 Republican Senators signed a letter rejecting the League of Nations, including Henry Cabot Lodge. In July, when Wilson sent the treaty to the Senate for ratification, Lodge bottled it up in the Foreign Relations Committee. Sept. 3, 1919:

The battle for ratification On Sept. 10, 1919, the Foreign Relations Committee finally sent the treaty to the Senate with a series of amendments. The Senate split into three groups:

The result In 1919, the treaty was defeated. In 1920, the treaty was introduced again with new reservations and Wilson instructed Democrats to join Irreconcilables to vote against it.