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The End of World War I. Essential Question. Wilson’s 14 Points. America joined WWI to protect democracy, & that created a high, idealistic purpose for WWI The stalemate continued on the Western front January 1918 – President Wilson tells Congress his ideas to create a more fair world
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Wilson’s 14 Points • America joined WWI to protect democracy, & that created a high, idealistic purpose for WWI • The stalemate continued on the Western front • January 1918 – President Wilson tells Congress his ideas to create a more fair world • These ideas known as the 14 Points
Wilson’s 14 Points • 1st 6 points were general in nature • No Secret Treaties • Freedom of the seas for all nations • Removal of all economic barriers • Reduction in national armaments • Adjustments to colonialism to become more fair • Establishment of a League of Nations • Remaining 8 points dealt with specific countries
Defeat of the Central Powers • Germany moved all troops to Western front since they signed a treaty with Russia • Allied forces tried to hold on until U.S. forces arrived • Allied forces including U.S. troops stopped German attack at Chateau-Thierry • Allied Powers launched counterattack that forced Germans back towards their border
Defeat of the Central Powers • Central Powers excluding Germany surrendered • Wilson would only deal with German government that truly represented its people • The Kaiser (German Emperor) stepped down, & Germany became a republic • November 1918 – Germany agrees to end war • Treaty with Russia canceled • Gave up most of navy, including all U-Boats • Turned over munitions & released prisoners • Allied forces would occupy Germany west of Rhine River
Paris Peace Conference • January 1919 – Allied nations meet • Conference dominated by “Big 4” • U.S. President Woodrow Wilson • British Prime Minister David Lloyd George • French Premier George Clemenceau • Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando
Problems Facing Peacemakers • Wilson wanted a treaty that was fair to all • Other Allied nations insisted on dictating terms • Russia was not even invited • Central Powers were not given a voice • Europe faced a new & confusing political situation • Republics replaced monarchies – Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia • Ottoman Empire on brink of collapse • Ethnic groups wanted independence
Problems Facing Peacemakers • Allied nations had conflicting territorial demands • France – Security against German attack • Italy claimed territory outside of their border • Belgium – German territory along border • England – Germany’s African colonies • Japan – German colonies in Pacific
Reparations & Peacekeeping • Allies wanted Germany to pay reparations – payment for war damages • Conference considered 14 Points & League of Nations
Peace • 2 viewpoints emerged • Wilson wanted peace that was fair to all to prevent future war • Many wanted Germany to pay for starting war • England, France, Italy – Wanted to divide territory taken from Central Powers • Many thought Germany must be prevented from becoming powerful to ensure peace • The future of Germany rested on decisions made at the Conference