Overall peace treaties Flashcards
(20 cards)
When and where did the Paris Peace Conference open?
January 1919, at Versailles, France.
Who were the “Big Four” leaders dominating the Paris Peace Conference?
Woodrow Wilson (USA), David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), Vittorio Orlando (Italy).
What was Woodrow Wilson’s main goal at the conference?
To create a just and lasting peace based on his Fourteen Points, emphasizing self-determination and the League of Nations.
What was Wilson’s stance on Germany’s punishment?
He opposed harsh treatment and the War Guilt Clause, seeking a peace without victory.
What were France’s main aims at the conference?
To punish Germany severely, ensure French security, reclaim Alsace-Lorraine, and impose heavy reparations.
How did Britain’s aims differ from France’s?
Britain wanted reparations but feared harsh terms would destabilize Europe; also sought to maintain balance of power and protect trade interests.
What was Italy’s main interest at the conference?
To gain promised territories like South Tyrol, Trentino, and Dalmatia, fulfilling its territorial ambitions.
What principle was a key but vaguely defined part of Wilson’s plan?
Self-determination of peoples and nations.
How did the Paris Peace Conference handle colonial territories?
Established the mandate system, placing former German and Ottoman colonies under Allied control as “trusteeships.”
What was the League of Nations intended to do?
Serve as an international forum and collective security organization to prevent future wars.
What was a major failure regarding the League of Nations?
The United States never ratified the Treaty of Versailles, so it never joined the League, weakening its authority.
How did the treaty’s War Guilt Clause affect Germany?
It assigned full blame for WWI to Germany, humiliating the nation and fueling resentment.
What economic impact did reparations have on Germany?
Reparations caused economic hardship, hyperinflation, and political instability.
Why did Japan and Italy become dissatisfied after the conference?
Japan felt it received fewer territorial rewards than deserved; Italy was frustrated by unfulfilled promises, especially in Dalmatia.
How did conflicting Allied aims contribute to the treaty’s weaknesses?
Britain, France, the US, and Italy had divergent goals, leading to compromises that satisfied no one fully.
What was a key limitation in applying self-determination?
Ethnic minorities were often left in new states, causing tensions and conflicts.
How did the conference’s decisions affect colonial subjects?
Many non-European peoples felt betrayed, as promises of independence were delayed or ignored.
What was the impact of the treaty on international relations?
It sowed seeds of future conflict, including German nationalism and revisionism.
How did domestic politics in the US affect the peace process?
Wilson’s failure to include Republicans and Senate opposition led to US rejection of the treaty.
What overall conclusion can be drawn about the Paris Peace Conference?
Despite hopes for lasting peace, conflicting aims and compromises led to a fragile settlement that failed to prevent future wars.
