WH - Chapter 29.4 - The Great War - Section 4 - A Flawed Peace

Why did the United States reject the Treaty of Versailles?

Many Americans objected to the settlement and especially to President Wilson's League of Nations. Americans believed that the United States' best hope for peace was to stay out of European affairs. The United States worked out a separate treaty with Germany and its allies several years later.

Treaty of Versailles

A peace agreement between Germany and the Allied powers signed on June 28, 1919.

What complaints did various mandated countries voice about the Treaty of Versailles?

Many Americans objected to the settlement and especially to President Wilson's League of Nations. Americans believed that the United States' best hope for peace was to stay out of European affairs. The United States worked out a separate treaty with Germany and its allies several years later. in particular the war-guilt clause, left a legacy of bitterness and hatred in the hearts of the German people. Other countries felt cheated and betrayed by the peace settlements as well. Throughout Africa and Asia, people in the mandated territories were angry at the way the Allies disregarded their desire for independence. The European powers, it seemed to them, merely talked about the principle of national self-determination. European colonialism, disguised as the mandate system, continued in Asia and Africa. Some Allied powers, too, were embittered by the outcome. Both Japan and Italy, which had entered the war to gain territory, had gained less than they wanted. All lacked the support of the United States due to its isolationism sentiment of its people.

Fourteen Points

President Wilson's peace proposals outlined a plan for achieving a just and lasting peace. The first four points included an end to secret treaties, freedom of the seas, free trade, and reduced national armies and navies. The fifth goal was the adjustment of colonial claims with fairness toward colonial peoples. The sixth through thirteenth points were specific suggestions for changing borders and creating new nations. The fourteenth point proposed a "general association of nations" that would protect "great and small states alike."

Georges Clemenceau

President of France.

Woodrow Wilson

President of the United States.

What was the goal of Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points?

The guiding idea behind these points was self determination or choice of government structure.

What was the "war guilt" clause in the Treaty of Versailles?

The treaty also punished Germany. The defeated nation lost substantial territory and had severe restrictions placed on its military operations. As tough as these provisions were the harshest was Article 231. It was also known as the "war guilt" clause. It placed sole responsibility for the war on Germany's shoulders. As a result, Germany had to pay reparations to the Allies.

Who were the big 4 at the Peace conference held in Versailles France?

Woodrow Wilson of the United States, Georges Clemenceau of France, David Lloyd George of Great Britain, and Vittorio Orlando of Italy. Russia, in the grip of civil war, was not represented. Neither were Germany and its allies.

Self-determination

allowing people to decide for themselves under what government they wished to live under.

League of Nations

was to be an international association whose goal would be to keep peace among nations.