“We have entangled ourselves with European concerns. We are dabbling and meddling in their affairs. We have surrendered the great policy of ‘no entangling alliances’ upon which the strength of this republic has been founded. How shall we keep from meddling in the affairs of Europe or keep Europe from meddling in the affairs of America? It is in conflict with the right of our people to govern themselves, free from all restraint, legal or moral powers. America must, both for the happiness of her own people and for the moral guidance and greater contentment of the world. Be permitted to live her own life. We are told that this meaning means peace. Even so, I would not pay the price. Would you purchase peace at the cost of our independence? But the treaty does not mean peace. If we are to judge the future by the past, it means war.” -Idaho’s Senator William E. Borah’s Speech: November 1919 Answer as warm-up: Based on the Senator Borah’s speech, why did the US Senate reject the Paris Peace Settlement?

 Despite President Wilson’s leading role in negotiating the various peace treaties, in November 1919: › The US Senate rejected the Paris Peace Settlement and refused to join the League of Nations.  Determined not to be involved in another war and believing that the terms of the settlement made future conflict inevitable… › most Americans were convinced that the USA should return to its traditional isolationist policy.

 The USA decided not to sign the Paris peace settlement but instead made a separate peace agreement with Germany later on, which had a profound effect on relations between European countries.  How did this effect France? › This contributed to France’s already significant feelings of insecurity. The French now had no guarantee of US support in the event of an attack by a resurgent Germany.

 Despite isolating itself POLITICALLY from Europe, the USA continued to have major effect on European economies.  During WWI, the USA provided large loans to its European Allies. › After the war, the US insisted on full repayment › The only way for the Allies to pay back the US was if Germany paid their reparations. › Germany was not in a position to pay the reparations.

 Border disputes from the decisions made at the Paris Peace Conference were taking place.  Turkey defied the Treaty of Sèvres and took land that had been awarded to Greece › They were the first country to successfully challenge the post- war settlements › In 1923, a revised treaty - the Treaty of Luasanne – replaced the original agreement

 Despite these simmering tensions, no country wanted another war.  With that in mind several attempts were made to improve international relations from

 Largely focusing on disarmament and naval power, which seemed to guarantee peace in the Far East. › Japan withdrew from China › Japan limited it navy to 3/5 the size of the British and US navies. › In return the US agreed not develop any new naval bases near Japan. › Britain, France & USA also agreed to protect China from invasion.

 One of the main threats to peace was the issue of German reparations. › Facing massive economic problems, Germany struggled to meet payments  France wanted Germany’s payments in full to keep Germany weak.  Determined to improve relations between France and Germany, Prime Minister David Lloyd George suggested a conference in Genoa, Italy to address this matter.  The Genoa conference achieved nothing.  USA, Germany and the UUSR did not attend. Why?: › USA = isolationist › Germany felt believed that France would refuse to compromise. › The USSR felt isolated and backed out in order to develop a relationship with Germany.

 Upset by Germany failing to meet its reparation payments, France invaded the Ruhr, one of Germany’s important industrial regions.  Confronted by this threat of peace American lawyer Charles Dawes called a meeting in London.  Although there was no adjustment to the amount that Germany would have to pay, annual payments were restricted to what Germany “could reasonably afford”.  To assist with its economic problems, Germany received a sizeable loan, mainly from the US  France withdrew from Ruhr and tensions were reduced.

 A series of agreements drawn up to create stability and security in Europe.  Most significant outcome of the Locarno Conference was that Germany, France and Belgium promised to respect their joint frontiers (borders) and no military action could be taken unless it was defensive.  Treaty of Mutual Guarantee: Britain and Italy would assist any country that was a victim of aggression in violation of the Locarno Treaties.  This marked a major turning point in foreign affairs as French foreign minister Aristide Briand and German foreign minister Gustav Stresemann developed a working relationship › British statesman said “the Great War ended in The Great Peace did not begin until › Some historian have become more critical pointing out that the Locarno Treaties gave no guarantees regarding Germany’s borders with Poland and Czechoslovakia

 French foreign minister Aristide Briand proposed that France and the USA should sign an agreement renouncing war, the US secretary of state Frank Kellogg suggested that such an agreement should extend to other countries  65 nations signed  However, the pact contained no indication of what steps might be taken against any country that broke the agreement and this lack of clarity ultimately made it worthless

 Best example of France’s new willingness to compromise.  The USA knew that, despite the Dawes Plan, once Germany had met its full annual payments, it would no longer be able to afford its interest payments on US loans.  American banker Owen Young met to reduce the total reparations amount that was agreed upon in the aftermath of the Paris Peace Talks.  Reduced German reparations from £6.6 billion to £2 billion › This was the same figure previously suggested by British Economist John Maynard Keyes in 1919, ultimately making this an admission that the figure set in 1921 was too high  The international controls over Germany’s economy were broken, dismantling the rules set by the Dawes Plan  These were significant steps for Germany

 Despite these attempt to improve international relations, old suspicions, resentment and tensions remained.  All of Europe’s leading powers had committed to arms reduction in both the Treaty of Versailles and by the Covenant of the League of Nations. › With the exception of Germany, no country had honored this agreement, and World Disarmament Conference was intended to settle this in the hopes of avoiding an arms race.  However none of the major powers were prepared to reduce its military capabilities and the conference was a failure!!