Making the Peace Ch.11 Sec 4

I. Costs of War European cities, farms, factories destroyed. Millions of homeless refugees. Allies wanted Central Powers to pay all the reparations- payments for war damages. Political unrest: European colonies in Africa, India, and Asia had cynical view of Europe and wanted independence.

II. Paris Peace Conference Allies and Central Powers met in Paris (27 nations all together) to discuss peace treaties. The “Big Three”: Woodrow Wilson (USA): wanted “peace without victory”, justice, and the League of Nations. Fourteen Points. David Lloyd George (Britain): wanted to rebuild Britain, ease up on Germany so the economy improves. Georges Clemenceau (France): wanted to weaken Germany so it would never be a threat again.

III. Treaty of Versailles June 1919- Allies make Germany sign the Versailles Treaty: Germany would accept full blame for the war. Germany would pay most of the reparations. Germany would cut down its military, give up colonies and Alsace and Lorraine.

Effect of the treaty: Inflamed Germany’s hatred of the French. Germany resented Europe; caused new tensions. Many nations, like Italy and Austria, remained unsatisfied and broke.

IV. Outcome of the Peace Settlements New nations with self-determination: Poland, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia. A.) Mandate system: Europe’s colonies wanted independence, but instead became mandates- territories ruled by European nations. Middle East, Africa, and Asia remained under French and British control.

B.) The League of Nations Woodrow Wilson’s dream: an international peace organization. Most of Europe joined, along with Japan U.S. Senate refused to join the League. Americans wanted to stay out of Europe’s affairs.