PEACE TREATIES & WWI RECAP
INTRODUCTION
With the Great War coming to an end with the German surrender on November 11, 1918, the world would look towards rebuilding and reshaping for the future. To punish the defeated nations was tasked to the 'Big Three', representatives from the United Kingdom, United States and France would determine the restrictions placed upon Germany and her allies. A new governing body, the 'League of Nations' would aim at becoming a forum for global affairs, and attempt to establish peace in this post-war era.
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Timeline checklist |
workshop checklist |
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> 1918
PLANS FOR PEACE / January 8
President Woodrow Wilson of the United States had began to plan an initiative for future world peace, outlined in his 'Fourteen Point Plan' which he announced on January 8, 1918. Wilson's aims at world peace was expressed in this plan of his, and would become a talking point throughout the world. The position of the German Empire in the Great War was declining, and the idea of negotiating terms of a surrender would be further inspired by Wilson's plans for world peace. Germany would hope that the inclusion of the United States in the Great War would assist the conclusion of a German surrender, and hoped the American leader would move the world away from war and towards a peaceful outcome.
President Woodrow Wilson of the United States had began to plan an initiative for future world peace, outlined in his 'Fourteen Point Plan' which he announced on January 8, 1918. Wilson's aims at world peace was expressed in this plan of his, and would become a talking point throughout the world. The position of the German Empire in the Great War was declining, and the idea of negotiating terms of a surrender would be further inspired by Wilson's plans for world peace. Germany would hope that the inclusion of the United States in the Great War would assist the conclusion of a German surrender, and hoped the American leader would move the world away from war and towards a peaceful outcome.
"Woodrow Wilson's plans for world peace would inspire Germany to come to negotiations with the Allied Forces in late 1918."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows - Charles Harrison
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Inquiry Questions
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Woodrow Wilson and his Fourteen Point Plan
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ENDING THE GREAT WAR / September 28
The war had been waging for many years, with troops from France, Britain and the British Empire fighting in the Western Front, a series of trenches and fortifications covering over 700 kilometres from Switzerland to the North Sea. By 1918, the fighting had come to a stalemate, with neither army having the ability to break through the opposing line. With the United States soon to join the war efforts, Germany would plan a massive offensive with the hopes of a victory on the Western Front. The German Empire would rally 750,000 men to the Western Front, but with initial victories to the German forces, their efforts were slowly weakening and eventually pushed back to where they began. American troops were now entering the Western Front, and German forces were pushed further back, towards the borders of Germany itself. The war looked lost for the Central Powers, with Germany and her allies, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, all facing collapse.
Following the news that the Allies were prepared to grant an armistice with Germany on November 6, Matthias Erzberger, with other members of the German armistice commission would leave Berlin on November 8 to seek such an agreement. Erzberger would travel across no-mans-land to meet with Marshal Foch, Allied Commander, in the forest of Compienge, near Paris. The terms of the armistice were given to Erzberger and his colleagues, and were given 72 hours to accept them. Attempts were made by Germany to alter the conditions, but to no avail, and the armistice was signed at 5 a.m on November 11, with the war ending six hours later that signified Germany's defeat, which would lead towards the peace conferences that would soon follow. NOV 11
The war had been waging for many years, with troops from France, Britain and the British Empire fighting in the Western Front, a series of trenches and fortifications covering over 700 kilometres from Switzerland to the North Sea. By 1918, the fighting had come to a stalemate, with neither army having the ability to break through the opposing line. With the United States soon to join the war efforts, Germany would plan a massive offensive with the hopes of a victory on the Western Front. The German Empire would rally 750,000 men to the Western Front, but with initial victories to the German forces, their efforts were slowly weakening and eventually pushed back to where they began. American troops were now entering the Western Front, and German forces were pushed further back, towards the borders of Germany itself. The war looked lost for the Central Powers, with Germany and her allies, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, all facing collapse.
Following the news that the Allies were prepared to grant an armistice with Germany on November 6, Matthias Erzberger, with other members of the German armistice commission would leave Berlin on November 8 to seek such an agreement. Erzberger would travel across no-mans-land to meet with Marshal Foch, Allied Commander, in the forest of Compienge, near Paris. The terms of the armistice were given to Erzberger and his colleagues, and were given 72 hours to accept them. Attempts were made by Germany to alter the conditions, but to no avail, and the armistice was signed at 5 a.m on November 11, with the war ending six hours later that signified Germany's defeat, which would lead towards the peace conferences that would soon follow. NOV 11
"After a failed offensive, Germany would move towards making an agreement with the Allied Nations to end their war efforts."
(Century of Conflict, 2016)
Tiger Rag - Original Dixieland Jazz Band
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Inquiry Questions
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The Great War was coming to an end by late 1918
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> 1919
PARIS PEACE CONFERENCE / January 18
The Paris Peace Conference, also known as the Versailles Peace Conference would become the event that marked the beginning of the post-war world, with treaties to be imposed upon defeated Central Powers nations, as well as the Covenant of the League of Nations. The victorious Allied nations, which included the 'Big Three', the name given to David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom, Georges Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the United States would become the leaders in the decision making process. The 'Big Three' met informally 145 times over the next twelve months to construct and sign off on treaties that imposed restrictions upon the defeated nations. Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and the Ottoman Empire were the nations whose fate would be determined by these treaties. Of such nations, Germany had become the central topic of discussion and their aggression in the early stages of the war deemed them responsible for the escalation of World War I, and would be punished accordingly. The Paris Peace Conference was held in the Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles), in a famous room titled the 'Hall of Mirrors', Restrictions placed upon the defeated nations would include reparations, removal of territory, limitations of military and mandates, which were colonies stripped of both Germany and the Ottoman Empire and given to victorious nations.
The Paris Peace Conference, also known as the Versailles Peace Conference would become the event that marked the beginning of the post-war world, with treaties to be imposed upon defeated Central Powers nations, as well as the Covenant of the League of Nations. The victorious Allied nations, which included the 'Big Three', the name given to David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom, Georges Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the United States would become the leaders in the decision making process. The 'Big Three' met informally 145 times over the next twelve months to construct and sign off on treaties that imposed restrictions upon the defeated nations. Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and the Ottoman Empire were the nations whose fate would be determined by these treaties. Of such nations, Germany had become the central topic of discussion and their aggression in the early stages of the war deemed them responsible for the escalation of World War I, and would be punished accordingly. The Paris Peace Conference was held in the Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles), in a famous room titled the 'Hall of Mirrors', Restrictions placed upon the defeated nations would include reparations, removal of territory, limitations of military and mandates, which were colonies stripped of both Germany and the Ottoman Empire and given to victorious nations.
"The 'Big Three' would be responsible for the treaties imposed on the defeated Central Powers nations, who had no viable alternative to signing the treaties."
(Century of Conflict, 2016)
O Death Where Is Thy Sting - Bert Williams
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Inquiry Questions
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The Hall of Mirrors, Palais de Versailles
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MOTIVATING FACTORS / January 18-June 28
Over the next six months, discussions would become common practice for the 'Big Three', who were busy orchestrating what would become of the defeated nations, and in particular Germany. Due to Germany's role in the early stages of the Great War, the 'Big Three' had deemed them responsible for the war that consumed Europe for over four years. Each member nation of the 'Big Three' had different motivations behind their role in the discussions to decide Germany's 'peace' treaty, which would later be titled the Treaty of Versailles. As each victorious nation had different experiences with Germany, it would prove a difficult process to impose restrictions upon them. David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom would wish to punish Germany but within reason, after suffering severe losses of men and money throughout the duration of the Great War, and wished for a stable Europe. Georges Clemenceau of France was adamant for Germany to be punished severely, which would ensure French security for many years to come, as they bordered with Germany and had been attacked by them in both 1871 and 1914. Woodrow Wilson of the United States, however, would push for world peace, inspiring the formation of the League of Nations, which was originally included in his 'Fourteen Point Plan' which he introduced to the American Confress in January 1918. The United States had lost a substantial amount of men during the Great War, and their economy had benefited from the war. The motivation for the United States completely contrasted the other members of the 'Big Three', whereas both the United Kingdom and France had huge losses of life, and their economies had been crippled by the war fought at their doorstep. At the closure of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, none of the signatories were content with the treaty that was devised, but signed it anyway.
Over the next six months, discussions would become common practice for the 'Big Three', who were busy orchestrating what would become of the defeated nations, and in particular Germany. Due to Germany's role in the early stages of the Great War, the 'Big Three' had deemed them responsible for the war that consumed Europe for over four years. Each member nation of the 'Big Three' had different motivations behind their role in the discussions to decide Germany's 'peace' treaty, which would later be titled the Treaty of Versailles. As each victorious nation had different experiences with Germany, it would prove a difficult process to impose restrictions upon them. David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom would wish to punish Germany but within reason, after suffering severe losses of men and money throughout the duration of the Great War, and wished for a stable Europe. Georges Clemenceau of France was adamant for Germany to be punished severely, which would ensure French security for many years to come, as they bordered with Germany and had been attacked by them in both 1871 and 1914. Woodrow Wilson of the United States, however, would push for world peace, inspiring the formation of the League of Nations, which was originally included in his 'Fourteen Point Plan' which he introduced to the American Confress in January 1918. The United States had lost a substantial amount of men during the Great War, and their economy had benefited from the war. The motivation for the United States completely contrasted the other members of the 'Big Three', whereas both the United Kingdom and France had huge losses of life, and their economies had been crippled by the war fought at their doorstep. At the closure of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, none of the signatories were content with the treaty that was devised, but signed it anyway.
"The United Kingdom and France had wanted to punish Germany, and prevent them to become a threat in the upcoming years, whereas the United States were more sympathetic towards the defeated nation."
(Century of Conflict, 2016)
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody - John Steel
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Inquiry Questions
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The destruction of the Great War motivated the decision-makers
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TREATY OF VERSAILLES / June 28
When the terms of the Treaty of Versailles became known in May, 1919, the German public were shocked of the harsh penalties that applied to them. This shock was somewhat similar to how they had felt six months prior when the German Army would surrender to the Allied Nations, after the German public were convinced of their position in the war, and that they would eventually be victorious. Germany were encouraged to accept the armistice offered to them by the Allied Nations, especially with Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Point Plan becoming a beacon to how they wished to be dealt with. Germany was also now a democracy, with the Weimar Republic being in power since the end of the Great War, they had wished this would also lessen the restrictions placed upon them, as they hoped the real enemy to the Allied Nations was the German Empire, who no longer existed. Sadly for Germany, this was not the case and they had little input to the delegations, and the peace treaty was imposed upon them, with no real alternative other than to continue fighting the war. When Germany arrived at Versailles, they hoped that the treaty was still up for negotiations, instead they were handed the document, and given 15 days to respond and would then be required to sign it. A particular article of the treaty Clause 231 would become known as the 'war guilt clause', which was deem them responsible for all the damages of the war, and reparations for the Allied Nations. Chancellor Scheidemann spoked of his anger fuelled by the treaty: "We must hold together, we must stick together. We are one flesh and one blood." Germany would speak out about its hatred for the treaty, but would eventually sign it on June 28, 1919, after finding no viable alternative. The penalties placed upon Germany would give them reparations to pay the Allied Nations, restrict their military power, remove territory, and strip them of all their colonies.
When the terms of the Treaty of Versailles became known in May, 1919, the German public were shocked of the harsh penalties that applied to them. This shock was somewhat similar to how they had felt six months prior when the German Army would surrender to the Allied Nations, after the German public were convinced of their position in the war, and that they would eventually be victorious. Germany were encouraged to accept the armistice offered to them by the Allied Nations, especially with Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Point Plan becoming a beacon to how they wished to be dealt with. Germany was also now a democracy, with the Weimar Republic being in power since the end of the Great War, they had wished this would also lessen the restrictions placed upon them, as they hoped the real enemy to the Allied Nations was the German Empire, who no longer existed. Sadly for Germany, this was not the case and they had little input to the delegations, and the peace treaty was imposed upon them, with no real alternative other than to continue fighting the war. When Germany arrived at Versailles, they hoped that the treaty was still up for negotiations, instead they were handed the document, and given 15 days to respond and would then be required to sign it. A particular article of the treaty Clause 231 would become known as the 'war guilt clause', which was deem them responsible for all the damages of the war, and reparations for the Allied Nations. Chancellor Scheidemann spoked of his anger fuelled by the treaty: "We must hold together, we must stick together. We are one flesh and one blood." Germany would speak out about its hatred for the treaty, but would eventually sign it on June 28, 1919, after finding no viable alternative. The penalties placed upon Germany would give them reparations to pay the Allied Nations, restrict their military power, remove territory, and strip them of all their colonies.
"The Treaty of Versailles would outline the restrictions placed upon Germany after the Great War, and would become a factor towards the outbreak of World War II over 20 years later."
(Century of Conflict, 2016)
After You've Gone - Marion Harris
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Inquiry Questions
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The Treaty of Versailles would severely damage Germany
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LEAGUE OF NATIONS / June 28
On June 28, 1919, alongside the Treaty of Versailles, the Covenant of the League of Nations was initially signed by 44 nations at the Paris Peace Conference including United States, Great Britain, France, Japan, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Point Plan had expressed the need for a intergovernmental organisation that would assist in global affairs and help establish world peace, and was widely received throughout the world following the massive loss of life during World War I. Although the League of Nations would have many members, the one nation that Wilson could not sell the idea to was his own, and the United States would never rectify the Covenant of the League of Nations through their own government. As result, the United States never joined the League of Nations, as the population did not wish to engage in mostly European affairs, which continued a policy of isolationism. Wilson would be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1920 due to his efforts in establishing the League of Nations, with its successor the United Nations still operating to this day with 193 member nations.
On June 28, 1919, alongside the Treaty of Versailles, the Covenant of the League of Nations was initially signed by 44 nations at the Paris Peace Conference including United States, Great Britain, France, Japan, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Point Plan had expressed the need for a intergovernmental organisation that would assist in global affairs and help establish world peace, and was widely received throughout the world following the massive loss of life during World War I. Although the League of Nations would have many members, the one nation that Wilson could not sell the idea to was his own, and the United States would never rectify the Covenant of the League of Nations through their own government. As result, the United States never joined the League of Nations, as the population did not wish to engage in mostly European affairs, which continued a policy of isolationism. Wilson would be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1920 due to his efforts in establishing the League of Nations, with its successor the United Nations still operating to this day with 193 member nations.
"Following the massive loss of life witnessed during World War I, the League of Nations aimed at minimising the chance of future wars, and established cooperation between member nations."
(Century of Conflict, 2018)
I'll Say She Does - Al Jolson
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Inquiry Questions
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The Covenant of the League of Nations outlined the roles and responsibilities of the intergovernmental organisation.
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TIMELINE REVIEW
MOVING ON
These events ushered in a new era, a time that attempted to lead away from war and towards prosperity and wealth, especially in the Western World who were about to experience consumerism and the appeal of the stock market, in the upcoming decade known as the Roaring Twenties.
These events ushered in a new era, a time that attempted to lead away from war and towards prosperity and wealth, especially in the Western World who were about to experience consumerism and the appeal of the stock market, in the upcoming decade known as the Roaring Twenties.