A Flawed Peace Chapter 29, Section 4

Introduction World War I was over. The killing had stopped. The terms of peace, however, still had to be worked out. On January 18, 1919, a conference to establish those terms began at the Palace of Versailles, outside Paris. Attending the talks, known as the Paris Peace Conference, were delegates representing 32 countries. For one year, this conference would be the scene of vigorous, often bitter debate. The Allied powers struggled to solve their conflicting aims in various peace treaties.

Key Leaders Come Together This group of leaders was known as the Big Four dominated the peace talks in Paris at Versailles.

Wilson’s Plan for Peace Fourteen Points—an outline for lasting world peace. Free trade and an end to alliances and military buildups Promotes self-determination—right of people to govern their own nation International peace-keeping body to settle world disputes

Fourteen Points End of secret treaties Freedom of the seas Free trade Arms reductions Adjustment of colonial claims Settlement of questions regarding Russian territory Restoration of Belgium Restoration of France’s territories including Alsace-Lorraine Readjustment of Italy’s borders Peoples of Austria-Hungary given self-determination Serbia given access to the sea and can join with other Balkan states (Yugoslavia created). Turkish portion of Ottoman empire sovereign, but other portions given self-determination. Dardanelles open to as shipping passage to all nations. Independent Poland League of Nations

The Versailles Treaty Britain and France oppose Wilson’s ideas and want to punish Germany. Allies and Germany sign an accord—the Treaty of Versailles—in June 1919. Creates League of Nations—international organization to keep peace. Blames Germans for war, forces Germany to pay damages (reparations) to nations. League to rule German colonies until deemed ready for independence.

The Creation of New Nations The Versailles Treaty, other peace accords change the look of Europe Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire all lose lands Former Ottoman lands in Southwest Asia turn into mandates New countries in southeastern Europe Russia gives up land.

“A Peace Build on Quicksand” Treaty of Versailles creates feelings of bitterness on both sides German people feel bitter and betrayed after taking blame for war America never ratifies Treaty of Versailles Many Americans oppose League of Nations and involvement with Europe Some former colonies express anger over not winning independence Japan, Italy criticize agreement; gain less land than they want