THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES
The Meeting of Powers On Jan 18th 1919 the Leaders of the Allied Powers met in Versailles, France to develop a plan for peace in Europe following World War I. The Conference took one year to develop a plan. 32 nations were represented at the conference. Russia was not represented at the conference because of a Civil War raging in their country.
The Meeting of Powers The Big Four were the prominent powers at the Conference. George Clemenceau – France David Lloyd George – Great Britain Vittorio Orlando – Italy Woodrow Wilson – U.S.A.
The Big Four David Lloyd George Great Britain Woodrow Wilson United States Vittorio Orlando Italy Georges Clemenceau France
Opposing Points of View Wilson led a contingent that wanted to forgive the Triple Alliance nations. He wanted to create a lasting World Peace. They called this a “peace of justice.” Wilson developed 14 points as a guideline for developing the treaty.
6
Opposing Points of View Wilson's 14 points stated: A plan for lasting peace End secret Treaties Freedom of Seas Free Trade Reduce Armies and Colonialism Self Determination (The country chooses its own government). Creation of an association of nations designed to keep peace.
8
Opposing Points of View Clemenceau led a group that wanted revenge on Germany. This group wanted: Reparations – repayment of War debts. Territorial losses for the Triple Alliance. Massive military restrictions the Triple Alliance nations.
10
The Settlement The creation of the League of Nations: This was an International Peace Organization. It was to be used to keep peace for all member nations regardless of size.
The Settlement Germany had to give captured lands back to France. Territorial Losses: Germany had to give captured lands back to France. Triple Alliance nations had to give up their colonial land in Africa and the Pacific. The division of the Ottoman Empire and Austria- Hungary led to the creation of several new European nations.
Europe after the Treaty of Versailles
The Settlement Military Restrictions: Limits the size of the German Army. Germans can’t create or buy any new weapons of war. Germany can’t buy or build any Submarines or build-up their Air Force. Restrictions were designed to keep Germany from invading France again.
The Settlement War Guilt Clause: Germany had to accept responsibility for the War. Germany was forced to repay $33 Billion in repartitions. This clause was used to punish Germany
16
The Problems with The Treaty of Versailles Did little to create peace. Was rejected by the United States. Left a lasting bitterness with the Germans. Upset other victorious nations when they did not receive desirable land concessions. Including Italy and Japan.
Germans demonstrate against The Treaty 18
Effects of World War I Short Term Effects: A generation of Europeans were wounded or Killed. Dynasty's fell in Europe. New nations were created. League of Nations was created. New nations were weak.
20
21
Effects of World War I Long Term Effects: Bitterness was left with many European nations. Causes of the War still remained: Nationalism, Militarism, and Imperialism. It will eventually lead to the outbreak of World War II.
23
16