1. Searching for Peace 23.5

2. Wilson’s Fourteen Points Peace Plan –Adjustment of boundaries in Europe –Free Trade –Freedom of the seas –End to secret treaties or agreements –Reduction in arms –Peaceful settlement of disputes over colonies. League of Nations –Final Point – most important –Member nations would preserve peace and prevent future wars by pledging respect and to protect one another’s territory and political independence.

3. Paris Peace Conference Allies dominated the talks Germany & Russia NOT invited Most wanted Germany to make large reparations, payments for the damage they caused in the war.

4. Treaty of Versailles Officially ended War I Germany had to pay billions in reparations to the Allies Germany had to disarm completely Had to give up all of its overseas colonies Broke up the Austria-Hungary and Russian Empires to create new nations or restore old ones. Fourteen Points rejected League of Nations was included in the treaty.

5. Opposition to the Treaty of Versailles Lots of Americans were against the Treaty –Some thought it was too harsh on Germany –Some thought it would permanently involve the U.S. in international affairs. Wilson went on a national tour to rally support and had a stroke and collapsed. Treaty was rejected by the United States U.S. never signed the Treaty and instead signed a separate peace treaty with each of the Central Powers U.S. never joined the League of Nations.