The Treaty of Versailles and the Big Three

Question 1

What did America want from the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 1

Woodrow Wilson (WW) wanted the following:

1. To not be too harsh on Germany as he feared revenge would come into play later. Also concerned about extremist groups exploiting Germany.
2. Strengthen Democracy in defeated countries. Wilson believed the key to peace was, “Democracy”. he believed this as it meant that dictators, such as the Kaiser, could not take their countries unwillingly into war again.
3. Give self determination to small countries that had, once been a part of European Empires. Meaning they would be ruled by themselves
4. International co-operation. Wilsons idea of the LON

Question 2

What did Britain want from the TOV?

Answer 2

Lloyd George wanted the following:

1. Agreed with WW that Germany should not be punished too harshly as they feared of retaliation.
2. Wanted Britain and Germany to start trading again as Germany was their 2nd largest trading partner before the war.
3. Unlike Wilson, he wanted Germany to lose it Navy as it threatened Britain’s and the notorious British Empire.

Question 3

What did France want from the TOV?

Answer 3

Clemenceau wanted the following:

1. He was expected to come down harshly on France as the French had been the worst affected country of the War at the conference.
2. Germany was still threatening to France as it had not suffered as much industrial damage as France had.
3. He wanted German forces to withdraw from the bank of the River Rhine.
4. Germany to pay compensation of how much damage they had caused.
5. Germany’s armed forces to be severely limited.