International Relations Overview

What happened at the Paris Peace Conference? ?? The Paris Peace Conference took place at the end of WWI in Paris. 32 nations were represented but NONE from the defeated countries The representatives from each nation signed the Treaty of Versailles which dealt with Germany. All the important decisions made about Germany were taken by the Big Three – Georges Clemenceau (France) David Lloyd George (Britain) Woodrow Wilson (USA)

What four things did Clemenceau (France) want? Reparations for the damage France had suffered the most in WWI. Their land had been damaged, they lost the most men of the winning countries and their economy was hit hard Reparations France wanted money as compensation for the damage to their land and their economy. They wanted Germany to pay for this. Cripple Germany France wanted to ensure that Germany were weak so that they could never attack again. They therefore wanted to reduce German military Gain German land France wanted to regain land to replace what they had lost during WWI. This included Alsace-Lorraine.

What four things did Lloyd George (Britain) want? Punish Germany but not too harshly Britain wanted to ensure Germany was punished for their part in the war but they knew if it was too harsh Germany would seek revenge. Germany to lose its navy The German navy was growing stronger and it was a threat to Britain. Britain wanted to reduce the Germany navy so the British was superior. Germany to lose its colonies The British Empire was the strongest throughout history, however the German Empire threatened Britain. Britain therefore wanted to reduce the German Empire Continue trading with Germany Britain had strong trading links with Germany before WWI. They wanted to continue this as it ensured the British economy was strong.

What four things did Wilson (USA) want? Self-determination Wilson wanted to ensure people ruled themselves rather than being ruled by others which would mean the chance of a dictator rising and creating another war was less likely Strengthen Democracy Democracy meant that people ruled together and not by one single person. This meant war was less likely in future from power-hungry dictators Ensure Germany was not punished too harshly USA knew that Germany would seek revenge if they were treated too harshly, the USA did not want another war so knew Germany could not be punished too badly. Set up the League of Nations USA wanted the League of Nations to act like an ‘international police force’ which would deal with problems and disputes and solve problems of different countries.

5 Terms of the T of V (GARGLe) Guilt of War Article 231 stated Germany should be blamed for WWI – this meant all further terms had to be agreed regardless. Armed forces reduction *The army was limited to 100,000 men * Conscription was banned * No armoured vehicles, submarines or aircraft allowed 8 Only 6 battleships in the navy Reparations Germany was forced to pay the allies £6.6 billion – an enormous figure German Land Germany’s overseas Empires were taken away. Former German colonies became mandates controlled by the League of Nations. Anschluss was forbidden. League of Nations To be set up and act like an ‘International Police Force’. Germany was not invited to join.

Lloyd George – likes and dislikes LikeDisliked Reduction in German navySelf-determination Reduction in German landAllowing all nations access to the sea Reparation repayments Germany blamed for the war

Clemenceau– likes and dislikes LikeDisliked Reduction in German navySelf-determination Reduction in German landNot punishing Germany too harshly Reparation repayments Germany blamed for the war

Wilson– likes and dislikes LikeDisliked Self-determinationGiving France the Saar coalfields All nations having access to seasNot punishing Germany too harshly

German reactions to the T of V Disarmament – it upset Germans and dented their pride. The allies did not have to disarm so why did Germany? Reparations – The economy was already in tatters, they had no money to pay for the reforms and the payments crippled them. War Guilt – It was hated! Germans were forced to accept the blame when they did not believe they had started the war. And it meant they had to accept all terms! German territory – a major blow to their pride and economy. The Saar and Upper Silesia were industrial areas and they lost land to Britain and France. 14 points & League of Nations – Germany was not treated as the 14 points suggested. They were further insulted by being kept out of the L of N

Aims of the League of Nations (KEEP) Persuade countries to disarm Keep world peace Enhance living and working conditions Encourage free trade between countries

Membership of the League America never joined! France Britain Italy Japan Germany USSR

Why USA did not join the League Isolationism – many American businessmen wanted to isolate themselves from European affairs. This is because American economy was booming in the 1920’s whereas Europe wasnt. The effects of WWI – millions of men had died in WWI, USA did not want to have to get involved in any future disputes like that in the future. Did not want to have to protect European Empires against future attacks. If they were part of the L of N they would have to send their troops to defend countries. It was linked to the T of Versailles. The T of V set up the L of N. Americans hated the T of V so they linked this hatred to the L of N. They wanted no part of it.

Four powers of the League of Nations Military Power– declined after Moral Arbitration - Beliefs Beliefs – Klansmen were WASPS. Economic Sanctions Economic Sanctions– carried out lynching's of black people and beat up/mutilated anyone considered to be the enemy.

Structur e of the League of Nations The Permanent Court of international Justice – meant to settle disputes between countries. The Council- 5 times a year – meant to solve disputes through discussion before it got out of hand. The Assembly – once a year – made decisions affecting the L of N The Mandates Commission – helped countries run by Britain and France to be run properly The Refugee Committee – return refuges to pre-war countries The Slavery Commission – worked to abolish slavery The Health Committee – educate people against disease The International Labour Organisation (ILO)