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2 Minute Drill. What treaty was signed to officially end WWI? Who were the Big 4 at the peace conference? What was Wilson’s plan at the peace conference? List some of his points! What was the major difference between Wilson and the Allied powers?. Treaty of Versailles.
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2 Minute Drill • What treaty was signed to officially end WWI? • Who were the Big 4 at the peace conference? • What was Wilson’s plan at the peace conference? List some of his points! • What was the major difference between Wilson and the Allied powers?
Treaty of Versailles Signed on June 28, 1919 End of WWI
Treaty Terms • Germany’s armed forces were greatly reduced in size. Could not put troops west of the Rhine River. (French border) • Specifically blamed Germany for the war. • Demanded Germany to pay reparations. • Def: compensation for all of the war damage that Germany had caused. • 33 billion dollars • Intended to keep Germany weak for a long time.
Treaty Terms • Austro-Hungarian, Russian, German, and Ottoman Empires were dismantled. • 9 new nations created based on national self-determination. • Parts of Germany was divided and given to other nations. (PROBLEM)
Wilson and Treaty • Although Wilson was disappointed with many parts of the treaty, Wilson achieved his primary goal. • LEAGUE OF NATIONS was created. • Members promised to reduce armaments • Submit all disputes that endangered peace • Come to aid of any member who was threatened with aggression from another state
Issues with U.S. Senate • All treaties signed by the U.S. must be ratified by 2/3 rd’s of the Senate. (Wilson badly underestimated Congress) • Republicans were majority in the Senate. Wilson refused to take any Republican leaders with him to the peace conference. • Opposition in the Senate focused on the League of Nations.
Issue • Reservationists pointed out that the Constitution requires Congress to declare war. The League of Nations could require member states to aid any member who was attacked. Argued that this might force U.S. into war without Congressional approval. Senate was willing to sign if treaty was amended to include approval of war by Congress but Wilson refused.
Wilson’s Actions • Decided to take his case to the people. • Wilson traveled all over the U.S. to try and gain support for the treaty. • Wilson’s determination led him to collapse and suffer a stroke. • Wilson continued to refuse to negotiate a compromise on the treaty.
Senate • The Senate continued to vote against the treaty. • The Treaty of Versailles was signed without ratification by the U.S. Senate. • The League of Nations took shape without the membership of the United States.