Overview
This lecture explains the background to the Treaty of Versailles (1919), focusing on the aims and disagreements of the main Allied leaders who crafted the peace after World War I.
Paris Peace Conference
- The Paris Peace Conference began in January 1919 with 32 countries participating to establish peace after WWI.
- The conference was dominated by the Big Three: Britain, France, and the USA.
- Germany was excluded from negotiations and not invited to the conference.
The Big Three and Their Aims
- David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Woodrow Wilson (USA) led the negotiations.
- Wilson (USA) opposed harsh punishment for Germany and wanted to prevent future wars through the League of Nations and his Fourteen Points.
- Clemenceau (France) demanded severe punishment, return of Alsace Lorraine, an independent Rhineland, and large reparations from Germany.
- Lloyd George (Britain) sought a compromise: punish Germany enough to satisfy public opinion but keep it strong for trade and stability.
Negotiation Challenges
- The three leaders disagreed strongly due to differing national experiences and desires for revenge or security.
- A compromise had to be reached among the Big Three before finalizing the treaty.
Signing of the Treaty
- Germany was presented with the treaty without negotiation, and their objections were ignored.
- On June 28, 1919, German representatives were forced to sign the treaty in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Treaty of Versailles — the 1919 peace agreement that formally ended World War I.
- Paris Peace Conference — the 1919 meeting of Allied powers to set peace terms following WWI.
- Big Three — the main Allied leaders: Lloyd George (Britain), Clemenceau (France), and Wilson (USA).
- League of Nations — international organization proposed by Wilson to maintain peace.
- Fourteen Points — Wilson's principles for a fair peace and prevention of future wars.
- Reparations — payments demanded from Germany for war damages.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and its impacts on Germany in part 2.
- Prepare to discuss the consequences for Germany in the next session.