Section 5: Searching for Peace
Strong opposition greeted President Wilson’s
plan for peace.
After the War
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In Jan. 1919, world leaders from 27
nations gathered in Paris for a peace
conference following World War I.
How was Pres. Wilson greeted?
What was Europe like following the war?
Europe laid in ruins and faced social &
political turmoil
These problems complicated the search
for peace and stability.
Wilson’s Fourteen Points
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Woodrow Wilson had a vision of a just and
lasting peace and he outlined his peace
plan in a proposal known as the Fourteen
Points.
What were some of his points?
Adjustment of boundaries, creation of new
nations (these reflected Wilson’s belief in
national self-determination), free trade, freedom
of the seas, end to secret treaties or
agreements, reduction and limits on arms,
peaceful settlement of disputes over colonies,
and his final point the League of Nations.
League of Nations
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Wilson’s final and what he
considered his most important point
was the creation of a League of
Nations where member nations
would help preserve peace and
prevent future wars by pledging to
respect and protect on another’s
territory and political independence.
Peace Conference
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The Allies did not invite either Germany or
Russia – now ruled by the Bolsheviks –
(France, Britain & US supported antiBolshevik forces) to participate.
The major figures in negotiations were the
Big Four – Wilson, George, Clemenceau
and Orlando. What countries did they
represent?
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Although Europeans cheered Pres. Wilson,
their leaders showed little enthusiasm for
the Fourteen Points. Why?
Treaty of Versailles
On June 28, 1919 the Allies and Germany
signed a treaty at the Palace of Versailles.
 Germany had to accept full responsibility
for the war & pay billions of dollars in
reparations.
 Germany had to disarm completely & give
up all its overseas colonies & some
European territories
 The League of Nations
Opposition at Home
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Wilson presented the Treaty of Versailles to the
United States Senate for ratification in July 1919.
Many at home opposed it. Who was the most
outspoken opponent?
Wilson went on a national speaking tour to rally
support for the Treaty & the League.
He collapsed and returned to Washington where
he suffered a stroke.
In March 1920 the Treaty of Versailles
along with the League of Nations was
rejected in the Senate. In 1921 the United
States signed a separate treaty with
Germany.