Aims Flashcards
What were the aims of the big three at Versailles?
- some felt that the aim was to punish Germany.
- others felt the aim was to cripple Germany so that it could never start another war.
-some felt the point was to reward winning countries.
-others felt it should establish as just and lasting peace.
French Ministers aims?
Georges Clemenceau saw the treaty as an opportunity to cripple Germany so that it could not attack France again.
Why was this Clemenceau’s aim?
The French had suffered enormous amounts of damage to its land, industry and people. Over two thirds of French army men had been killed or injured. To many French people, Germany was seen as very threatening and powerful. German land and industry was not as badly damaged as France’s. France’s population was in decline compared to Germany’s.
Was Clemenceau able to achieve this aim?
Even though France wanted to cripple Germany and even break it into smaller states, Clemenceau was a realist, and knew Britain and America would never agree to this and was forced to make compromises.
American presidents aims?
Woodrow Wilson’s aim was to build a better, more peaceful world after WW1. He did believe that Germany should be punished but not too harsh, as some day Germany could want revenge and attack again. Wilson’s main aim was to strengthen democracy in Germany so that its people would not let its leaders cause another war.
How did Woodrow try to achieve world peace?
He wanted the nations to cooperate to achieve world peace and in January 1918 he published his 14 points to achieve this. He believed in self-determination and his main aim was to set up an international body called the League of Nations.
Was Woodrow’s belies well received?
Many people in France did not agree with Wilson’s ideas. For example, self determination in Eastern Europe would be very difficult as they found themselves scattered across many countries. In Czechoslovakia, 25% of the population was neither Czech nor Slovaks and would find themselves ruled by people of another group with different customs and languages.
British Ministers aims?
As for David Lloyd George, he was often found in the middle ground between Clemenceau and Wilson. He wanted Germany to be justly punished but not too harshly.
How did Lloyd act?
He tended to act in self interest. He wanted Germany to lose its navy and colonies as it set a threat against the British Empire and was also determined to begin trading with Germany again.
