Building The Peace

April 2 nd, 1917: United States declares war on Germany. More Allied troops coming. April 2 nd, 1917: United States declares war on Germany. More Allied troops coming. Early 1918: Germany attempts a massive push into Allied territory. This offensive is stalled 75km from Paris. The Germans had exhausted reserves, food, equipment, etc. Early 1918: Germany attempts a massive push into Allied territory. This offensive is stalled 75km from Paris. The Germans had exhausted reserves, food, equipment, etc. It became obvious that the Allies would win the war. Independence was declared by several ethnic groups in the Balkans, the Hungarian government terminated it’s union with Austria, and the German Kaiser abdicated and fled to Holland. It became obvious that the Allies would win the war. Independence was declared by several ethnic groups in the Balkans, the Hungarian government terminated it’s union with Austria, and the German Kaiser abdicated and fled to Holland. Armistice: November 11 th, An agreement amongst warring countries to stop fighting and move to a peace conference. The victors will set the terms for peace. Armistice: November 11 th, An agreement amongst warring countries to stop fighting and move to a peace conference. The victors will set the terms for peace.

Wilson presented this document as a solution to lasting peace in Europe. Wilson presented this document as a solution to lasting peace in Europe. Important points: Important points: Outlawing alliances Outlawing alliances Freedom of the seas Freedom of the seas Free trade Free trade Disarmament Disarmament Return of territories conquered by Germany Return of territories conquered by Germany Formation of a League of Nations Formation of a League of Nations Self Determination: Ethnic groups should determine whom they are governed by. Self Determination: Ethnic groups should determine whom they are governed by.

Allies negotiated terms and demands for six months during the peace conferencesAllies negotiated terms and demands for six months during the peace conferences Realism vs Idealism: Realists believed that Germany should be severely punished (eg. Georges Clemenceau of France). Idealists believed that punishing Germany would create bitterness and cause for revenge (eg. Woodrow Wilson of the United States). Realism vs Idealism: Realists believed that Germany should be severely punished (eg. Georges Clemenceau of France). Idealists believed that punishing Germany would create bitterness and cause for revenge (eg. Woodrow Wilson of the United States). All nations agreed that Germany had to pay Reparations (damages due to war). All nations agreed that Germany had to pay Reparations (damages due to war). Treaty of Versailles: signed by Germany on June 28 th, Treaty of Versailles: signed by Germany on June 28 th, 1919.

War Guilt Clause (Article 231): forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the cause of the war. Germans were outraged and never forgave the Allies for this. War Guilt Clause (Article 231): forced Germany to accept full responsibility for the cause of the war. Germans were outraged and never forgave the Allies for this. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France. Poland was given a strip of land (from Germany) to give them access to the sea Poland was given a strip of land (from Germany) to give them access to the sea Germany (and other Central Powers) surrendered all colonies to the League of Nations. Germany (and other Central Powers) surrendered all colonies to the League of Nations. German army restricted to 100,000 men; navy and airforce also severely restricted German army restricted to 100,000 men; navy and airforce also severely restricted Germany forced to surrender its entire merchant fleet Germany forced to surrender its entire merchant fleet West bank of the Rhine River Valley was to be de- militarized and Allied armies were to occupy this area for 15 years. West bank of the Rhine River Valley was to be de- militarized and Allied armies were to occupy this area for 15 years. Unification between Germany and Austria was strictly forbidden. Unification between Germany and Austria was strictly forbidden. The Constitution of the League of Nations was to be included as part of the Treaty The Constitution of the League of Nations was to be included as part of the Treaty

Austria: The Treaty of St. Germain Austria: The Treaty of St. Germain Hungary: The Treaty of Trianon Hungary: The Treaty of Trianon Bulgaria: The Treaty of Neuilly Bulgaria: The Treaty of Neuilly Turkey: The Treaty of Sevres Turkey: The Treaty of Sevres ** These treaties contributed to the redrawing of the European map.

International Effects: International Effects: 10 million dead; 20 million casualties; The war cost $200 billion