the end of world war i

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THE END OF WORLD WAR I

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Essential Question

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Wilson’s 14 Points America joined WWI to protect

democracy, & that created a high, idealistic purpose for WWI

The stalemate continued on the Western front

January 1918 – President Wilson tells Congress his ideas to create a more fair world

These ideas known as the 14 Points

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Wilson’s 14 Points 1st 6 points were general in nature

1. No Secret Treaties2. Freedom of the seas for all nations3. Removal of all economic barriers4. Reduction in national armaments5. Adjustments to colonialism to become more

fair6. Establishment of a League of Nations

Remaining 8 points dealt with specific countries

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Defeat of the Central Powers Germany moved all troops to Western front

since they signed a treaty with Russia Allied forces tried to hold on until U.S. forces

arrived Allied forces including U.S. troops stopped

German attack at Chateau-Thierry Allied Powers launched counterattack that

forced Germans back towards their border

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Defeat of the Central Powers Central Powers excluding Germany surrendered Wilson would only deal with German government

that truly represented its people The Kaiser (German Emperor) stepped down, &

Germany became a republic November 1918 – Germany agrees to end war

Treaty with Russia canceledGave up most of navy, including all U-BoatsTurned over munitions & released prisonersAllied forces would occupy Germany west of Rhine River

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Paris Peace Conference January 1919 – Allied nations meet Conference dominated by “Big 4”

U.S. President Woodrow WilsonBritish Prime Minister David Lloyd GeorgeFrench Premier George ClemenceauItalian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando

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Problems Facing Peacemakers Wilson wanted a treaty that was fair to all Other Allied nations insisted on dictating terms Russia was not even invited Central Powers were not given a voice Europe faced a new & confusing political situation

Republics replaced monarchies – Austria-Hungary, Germany, Russia

Ottoman Empire on brink of collapseEthnic groups wanted independence

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Problems Facing Peacemakers Allied nations had conflicting territorial demands

France – Security against German attackItaly claimed territory outside of their borderBelgium – German territory along borderEngland – Germany’s African coloniesJapan – German colonies in Pacific

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Reparations & Peacekeeping Allies wanted Germany to pay

reparations – payment for war damages Conference considered 14 Points &

League of Nations

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Peace 2 viewpoints emerged

Wilson wanted peace that was fair to all to prevent future war

Many wanted Germany to pay for starting war England, France, Italy – Wanted to divide territory

taken from Central Powers Many thought Germany must be prevented from

becoming powerful to ensure peace The future of Germany rested on decisions made at

the Conference