“The Big three” David Lloyd George (Britain), George Clemenceau (France) and Woodrow Wilson (U.S.A.) met at the Paris Peace Conference to determine what to do with Germany after World War I

Woodrow Wilson President of the USA. Wilson was an idealist and reformer, who wanted to build a better and more peaceful world. He didn’t want the Treaty to be too harsh as he believed this would lead to revenge. He wanted to set up a peace keeping body – The League of Nations- created the 14 points Felt that all countries of the world should agree to disarmament

David Lloyd George The prime minister of Great Britain. He was a realist. An experienced politician who realized there must be compromise. The people of Britain wanted revenge, but he thought that would lead to another war Wanted to rebuild Germany to be a trading partner Wanted Britain to maintain Naval control of the seas

George Clemenceau President of France. Clemenceau had seen France invaded by Germany in 1870 and 1914, he wanted to make sure this would never happen again. France had suffered greatly during the War, they wanted compensation and revenge. Uncompromising Didn’t want Germany to be allowed into League of Nations

The Treaty of Versailles Clemenceau, Wilson and Lloyd George met to determine the terms of Germany’s surrender of WWI, Germany was not allowed to give their thoughts Many different opinions meant that the leaders had to be willing to make compromises They agreed that Germany should be punished but also that the Treaty should ensure future world peace

The Treaty of Versailles The Big 3 decided on TRAWL Territory Reparations Armaments War Guilt League of Nations

The Treaty of Versailles Territory Goal: Reduce Germany’s power by taking away land German’s land and colonies given to Poland, Denmark, France and Belgium Rhineland, Saar and Alsace-Loraine given to France-resource and industry rich areas

The Treaty of Versailles Reparations Goal: Help rebuild Europe after WWI Germany had to pay to rebuild damaged land and buildings to France and Belgium Germany was unable to pay, pushed their country into a deep depression Germany tried to print more money to help its economy…hyperinflation. Hurt economy even more

The Treaty of Versailles Armament Goal: Prevent Germany from starting another war Limit of 100,000 German soldiers No Air Force, limited Navy Rhineland (border with France) demilitarized to ensure the safety of France

The Treaty of Versailles War Guilt Goal: Give blame for World War I Germany was forced to take blame for causing WWI This part of the Treaty humiliated the Germans and caused resentment towards Britain, France and the U.S. “War Guilt Clause” justified the punishments to Germany in the treaty

The Treaty of Versailles League of Nations Goal: Prevent another World War through diplomacy Plan set up by Woodrow Wilson Group of nations set up to discuss world events and work for world peace Germany was not allowed to join the League