WORLD WAR I THE END

The War’s End  When the U.S. entered the war, the Allied Powers had fresh soldiers and supplies  German troops – Had no food and other supplies – They were forced to retreat with the coming of the U.S. army

Armistice  On October 4, 1918, Germany asked Woodrow Wilson for an armistice (an agreement to stop fighting) – The armistice began on November 11, th day, 11 th month, 11 th hour What is Armistice day called in the U.S. today?

World War I Ends in 1918

Wilson’s 14 Points  January 1919 – world leaders gather in Paris, France for a peace conference  President Wilson presents a peace plan to end all future wars known as the “Fourteen Points” Creation of new nations where people could determine how they wanted to be ruled = self- determination Ending of secret treaties and peaceful settlement of disputes over colonies

League of Nations  Wilson’s final point called for the creation of an international organization where countries would work together to keep peace.  This organization was known as the League of Nations

Paris Peace Conference  The Allies disagreed on how to “punish” the Central Powers – Wilson did not want to punish them – other Allies sought revenge (why?)

Countries and Leaders at the Peace Conference  USA – Woodrow Wilson  Great Britain – David Lloyd George  France – George Clemenceau

Treaty of Versailles  June 28, 1919  Forced Germany to accept guilt for war and pay reparations (pay for damages)  Limited Germany’s military – Forbidden to have aircraft and submarines  Germany lost colonies and territories  League of Nations was created

American Opposition  Wilson presented the Treaty of Versailles to the U.S. Senate in July 1919 for ratification – The Senate had to approve the treaty before the U.S could officially accept it  Many Americans did not trust the idea of a League of Nations  They thought that an organization would tie America to international work (protecting other nations) forever

American Opposition  The U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles in 1920 – The U.S. did NOT join the League of Nations – In 1921 the U.S. signed a separate treaty with each of the Central Powers, officially ending the war.