The End of World War 1

The end of WWI brought about many questions. What would be the "terms" that ended the war? How would Germany be treated? What would happen to lands that were in dispute? How could a future war be avoided? As the victors met in Paris President Wilson thought he had the answers...but would the Allies listen?

I. The End of WWI

At the conclusion of hostilities the Big Four (Wilson form the United States, Clemenceau from France, Orlando from Italy and David Lloyd George from England) met to discuss the treaty that would end the war. Wilson pushed for his 14 Points. The others, wanting revenge, resisted. In the end it was a poor compromise. The Germans who were winning the war at the conclusion received the blame and harsh penalties and France and England received much new territory. Wilson was dismayed as the America allies seemed content to claim the spoils of war without really trying to solve the systemic problems that had brought the world to cataclysmic crisis.

A. What were the underlying principles behind the 14 Points?

1. Self determination of peoples.

2. Arms reduction.

3. Non punishment.

4. Formation of the League of Nations.

5. Freedom of the Seas.

6. No secret treaties.

7. Free and open trade.

B. The Treaty of Versailles

1. Germany blamed, demilitarized and forced to pay reparations.

2. Treaty written without German input.

3. Map altered with little regard for ethnic or true national boundaries.

-Poland created out of Germany and Russia.

-France given Alsace Lorraine province from Germany.