The Peace That Failed Forgiveness & Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
End of World War I The U.S. helped turn the tide of war toward Allied victory in 1917-1918. Russia quit in 1917 due to its Communist Revolution and Germany turned all troops to the Western Front. U.S. soldiers helped stop the German advancement, and a counterattack lead to the German surrender.
End of War (continued) An armistice (peace agreement) was reached on November 11, 1918. The 11 th hour, of the 11 th day, of the 11 th month *November 11 th would become Armistice Day, which would later be changed to Veterans Day
The Costs of War About 10 million died on battlefields. - 1.7 million Russians - 1.8 million Germans Another 20 million war-related deaths About 116,000 U.S. dead U.S. spent $32 billion, Britain over $100 billion
Woodrow Wilson s Vision For Peace After WWI, President Woodrow Wilson travelled to Europe. He hoped WWI would be the war to end all wars.
Wilson s 14 Points Wilson thought the treaty that ended the war should include these items: Promote Free Trade Reduce Militarism Eliminate Alliances Encourage Self-Determination: the right of ethnic groups to have independence (Ex. Poland)
Stop and Process What do you think about Wilson s Fourteen Points? Good ideas or bad? How does this relate to the Forgiveness vs. Punishment question?
Paris Peace Conference Wilson was a Democrat and traveled to Paris without any Republicans. Wilson said he wasn t interested in the spoils of war. The spoils of war refers to a country want rewards (like land and money) in return for winning the war. How do Wilson s comments about the spoils of war relate to the idea of America First?
League of Nations Wilson wished for a League of Nations. Its purpose would be to ensure peace and security for all of its members. Under the League, an attack on one country would be considered an attack on all. Shouldn t this work? Would this guarantee there would never be another war? Why? Why not?
Treaty of Versailles: (WRITE THIS IN THE RIGHT HAND MARGIN) Making the treaty was difficult because: 1. President Wilson wanted a lasting peace. 2. The European Powers wanted to punish and weaken Germany. Forgiveness & Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
The Treaty of Versailles Punished Germany greatly (reparations) Germany forced to pay $33 billion to the Allies Forced Germany to accept blame for the war Took away German territory Forced Germany to disarm most of its military Included the establishment of the League of Nations
Evaluate the Treaty of Versailles Does it seem like a fair deal? Why? Was it more about punishment or forgiveness? Explain. What problems do you predict could be caused by the treaty? Explain.
List three new countries that formed after WWI.
The Debate at Home Congress never ratified (approved) the Treaty of Versailles. Many congressmen did not want the U.S. to join the League of Nations. (Which foreign policy position does this represent?) Brainstorm: One side of room: What would be some pros (benefits) of joining the League) Other side: What would be some cons (drawbacks) of joining the League.
The League of Nations Pros of U.S. Joining League It could help bring lasting peace. Promoted cooperation with other nations Without U.S., the League would be weaker. Cons for U.S. Joining League Believed the League was idealistic and not realistic Suspicious of other countries in League Limited American ability to act independently The U.S. never joined the League. Without the U.S., the League was considerably weaker.