Aims of the big three Flashcards
Wilson’s ideas
Don’t be too harsh on Germany
Strengthen Democracy in defeated country’s
Give self determination to small country’s that had once been in empires
International co-operation
Wilson’s background
Born 1856
Became university professor
Became president in 1912 and 1916
Once USA joined the war in 1917, he drew up the 14 points at the basis for ending war peacefully.
What kind of man was Wilson
An idealist and a reformer
His mind was impossible to shift
What were the 14 points
No secret treaty’s Free access to seas Free trade All countries work towards disarmament Colonies have a say German troops leave belgium Independence for Belgium France to regain alsace-lorraine Frontier between Austria and Italy to be Adjusted Self-determination for eastern Europe people Serbia access to sea Self-determination for turkish people Poland to be independent League of Nations set up
Paris Peace conference, 1919-20
Set up in Versailles
Lasted Twelve months
No one from defeated countries were represented
Five treaties drawn up
Important decisions done by big three
big three were supported by expert advisers but they ignored their advice
Did David Lloyd George agree with Wilson
Agreed on a reasonable treaty
He also wanted Britain and Germany to trade again
Disagreed on British empire giving up colonies and Germany getting a navy
Pressures on Lloyd George
Public pressures at home for harsh treaty
people in britain were not sympathetic to Germany
1 million casualties aswell as good shortages.
Anti Germany propaganda
They saw how Russia was treated by Germany. - Russia lost 25% of population and best agricultural land.
Only got elected cause he promised to “make Germany pay”
Did Clemenceau agree with Wilson?
Kinda, “god had only needed ten commandments”
Major disagreement over Germany. He wanted to cripple Germany
Pressures on Clemenceau
French people felt Germany was as powerful and threatening as ever.
Germany land + industry still strong
Germany population 75 million
France 40 million
French president Poincare wanted Germany broken into smaller states
What did Clemenceau clash with Wilson over
Germanys Rhineland and coalfields in the saar. - Wilson lost
What did Clemenceau clash with Lloyd George with
The desire not to treat Germany too harshly. Clemenceau said “if the british are so anxious to appease Germany they should look overseas and make colonial, navel or commercial concessions”
What didn’t Wilson and Lloyd george agree on
2 of the 14 points
allowing all nations access to seas.
Self determination as this would effect british empire
