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Section 4
– President Wilson’s plans for peace are modified by Allied leaders in Europe and by
Americans who are eager to free the country from foreign entanglements.
Wilson at Versailles
– Fourteen Points – his plan for world peace delivered to Congress
– Allies reject most of his plan
Treaty of Versailles
– Weakens hopes for lasting peace in Europe
– Groups in U.S. oppose as too harsh
– Domestic opposition to the treaty centers on the League of Nation
Wilson
– Feels L of N will provide forum for nations to talk thru problems
– Feels League won’t limit Am independence in international affairs, but help achieve
world peace
– Critics think membership will involve U.S. in foreign wars & limit American selfdetermination
– Opponents to League = believe emphasis on moral rather than legal obligation weakens
the organization
The Legacy of the War
– Many Germans shocked by armistice & terms of Treaty of Versailles
– Desperate economic conditions in Germany help foster rise of Hitler & Nazi Party
– U.S. emerges as World’s greatest industrial power
– The Allies rejected Wilson's Fourteen Points, instead drew up their own provisions in the
Treaty of Versailles.
– Senate voted down U.S. membership in the League of Nations.
– Most Americans did not want any more involvement in European affairs.
– Treaty sewed seeds of WW II
Overview
• After the U.S. enters WW I & helps to defeat Germany, President Wilson tries to fashion a
lasting peace.