Impact of WW1 : The BIG THREE Flashcards
What is one aim of Britain, France, and US at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?
One aim is to main peace and never go to war again. World War I had brought much horror to the involving countries. For example, 1 million British and 1.5 million French people were killed. Much of north-eastern France and Belgium were also destroyed. Thus British and France wanted the war to be “the war to end all wars” as they almost went bankrupt with war debts. The USA also wanted peace to ensure a safe world for democracy and making fair and permanent peace. Therefore, the big three countries longed for world peace as the war had caused devastating impacts on the countries involved.
What is the second aim of Britain, France and the US at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?
Another aim is to punish Germany and take revenge. For example France wanted to ensure its future security from future invasions, as they were invaded twice in 1870 and 1914 by Germany. They wanted to cripple Germany’s military power, and use the treaty for revenge by pressuring Germany to pay heavy reparations. Britain also wanted Germany to make payments but not too harsh as France as Germany could be used to stop spread of communism in Europe. Thus, most blamed Germany and wanted revenge for the ‘lost generation’ and wanted Germany crippled.
What is the third aim of Britain France and the US at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?
The third aim was to gain advantage. Many delegates wanted to use the treaty of gain advantages for their own country. For example, France and Britain saw this opportunity to expand their empires and took over German colonies. France wanted to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine, which Germany took in 1871. Therefore, one of the aims of Britain and France was to gain advantages for their own sake due to greed.
