Peace Talks Treaty of Versailles 14 Points
The Paris Peace Conference
Meeting at Versailles: Russia was not invited Central Powers were given a small role In 1919, the Big 4 met in Paris to negotiate the Treaty; Lloyd George of Britain, Orlando of Italy, Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the U.S.
Paris Peace Conference Dominated by the leaders of the four major Allied Powers: Woodrow Wilson (U.S.) David Lloyd George (Britain) George Clemenceau (France) Vittorio Orlando (Italy) “The Big Four”
What They Wanted: France Great Britain America Italy Georges Clemenceau Make Germany pay! Germany has to be stopped from invading again Revenge Lloyd George Similar to French but worried it was too harsh Treaty might cause hostility in the future Woodrow Wilson 14 Points designed to establish lasting peace in Europe Vittorio Orlando Territory
Wilson’s Plan for a Lasting Peace: Woodrow Wilson with the American Peace Commissions in Paris to negotiate the Versailles treaty
The 14 Points: Self-determination: boundaries decided based on people & they establish their own governments Freedom of Seas: open trading to all peaceful nations, remove tariffs No secret treaties or alliances formed Mandate System: Colonial policies should consider the interests of the people League of Nations: to provide peaceful means of solving disputes rather than war Arms should be reduced
What did they decide to do with Germany and their land? Sooooo….
Treaty of Versailles Signed June 28, 1919 Made Germany agree to a “Guilt Clause” Pay war reparations of $33 Billion Carved large chunks of territory from Germany and placed many restrictions on the German government. Provided for the formation of the League of Nations.
Germany’s Restrictions Not allowed to manufacture heavy artillery, tanks, or airplanes. Navy could have FEW warships, but NO submarines. Rules/Restrictions meant to ensure Germany was unable to start a war. Allies lacked ability to enforce imposed restrictions.
Territorial Changes at Germany’s Expense Alsace-Lorraine returned to France. Belgium gained some small territories along its borders. Poland restored as an independent nation.
Rhineland Was to be kept free of German military and weapons Allied troops occupied it
Weakness of the Treaty Germany was humiliated and destroyed Allies ignored the needs of the new Soviet Government International instability was created in the new nations and mandates U.S. returned to isolationist policies
America Opposed the Treaty Felt it was too lenient Objected to foreign policy decisions being made by international organizations Senate refused to ratify the treaty & join the League
Results of WWI: Bolshevik Revolution in Russia Colonies’ participation in war increased demands for independence. End of Russian Imperial, Ottoman, German and Austro-Hungarian empires U.S. - economic giant
More RESULTS of WWI: 10 million soldiers and 10 million civilians are DEAD=20 million Europe and its colonies are devastated Allies won the war, but lost hopes for peace Spanish Influenza spread during war—20-100 million died (estimated) worldwide Empires broken up—mandates made in the Middle East
MANDATES – territory under temporary control Ottoman Empire is GONE France and Great Britain divide former Ottoman Empire Britain- Iraq, Transjordan, and Palestine France- Syria and Lebanon THIS DIVISION PLANTED SEEDS FOR FUTURE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST!!!
Destruction never seen before Many towns across Europe lay in ruin due to widespread destruction by mechanized warfare. Families suffered great losses both human and material. The once great Austro-Hungarian Empire now lay destroyed. The political shape of Europe was forever changed.
http://www.the-map-as-history.com/demos/tome03/index.php
Europe 1914
Europe 1918