1. Versailles Treaty

2. From War to Peace  War winds down  Nations unclear on war aims  Wilson develops 14 points Used as the basis for the peace treaty  “Big Four” US, Britain, France and Italy” drive negotiations

3. Wilson’s 14 Points  Wilson travels to Europe – sets precedent Only takes one Republican w/him  Wilson raised hope/expectations War to end all wars Making the world safe for democracy Led to disillusionment  Didn’t recognize attitude of the Allies

4. 14 Points  First 5 Points Addressed causes of the WWI  Open covenants (treaties)  Freedom of the seas  Tariffs/trade barriers  Arms build up  Colonial Policies

5. 14 Points  Territorial Changes Creation of new states Redistribution of land Stripped Germany of its colonial possessions

6. Europe 1914, 1918 and 2007

8. 14 Points  Point 14/10 League of Nations  Mutual defense  Resolution of disagreements Enormous moral force

9. Versailles Treaty  Established 9 new Nations  Shifted boundaries of others  Demilitarized Germany Not too weak, not too strong  Reparations - $33 billion  War-guilt clause  Created a League of Nations

10. Arguments Against the Treaty/14 Points  League of Nations Commits the US to act Threatens US sovereignty over foreign affairs Punished Germany too much Too idealistic

11. Arguments Against the Treaty/14 Points  Key Players Woodrow Wilson Mid-term elections US Senate  Senator Henry Cabot Lodge – R-MA  “Irreconcilables”  “Reservationists”

14. Why the Treaty of Versailles Fails in the US  Takes his fight to the people  Fear of “collective security” Congressional war powers “War Guilt Clause” Wilson’s stroke

15.  Wilson’s Speaking Tour  32 major speeches  8 minor speeches  22 days

16. Why the Treaty of Versailles Fails in the US  Wilson lost touch while in Europe  Wilson refused to compromise  Republican Congress  Presidential party politics

17. Why the Treaty of Versailles Fails in the US  Treaty of Versailles never ratified by Congress  Formal peace agreement signed under Harding

18. Weaknesses  Germany Humiliated Reparations – economic depression Lost territory  Alienated Russia Lost territory Not included in negotiations  Ignored claims by colonized people for self-determination