The Paris Peace Conference and Treaty of Versailles

Canada’s Hundred Days

• August 8 – November 11, 1918• Canadians used as storm troops• 130 km advance• 31, 537 prisoners captured• Canadians ended the war at Mons, Belgium• This is where Britain had begun fighting in

1914.

The end of the war – Germany sues for peace

• All economies struggling to cope with war• Germany worried about communism after Russia

1917• October 1918 – German government begins

negotiations for armistice• October 29th – German navy Mutinies• November 9th – Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates• New democratic republic declared in Germany• November 11th – Armistice officially signed

Paris and Versailles

• All the major powers met in Paris to discuss what should happen in Europe.

• Losing powers not part of discussion.• Different treaties for different nations.• Treaty with Germany known as Treaty of

Versailles.• Starting point for discussion was US President

Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points

Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points

• Freedom of the Seas• An end to secret

treaties• Self-determination• A League of Nations• Free Trade

Canada in Versailles

• Borden fights for Canada’s own seat at Peace conference and as signatory

• Saw it as reward and recognition for commitments and sacrifices in war

• Borden saw British control over policy to say that “a nation that is not a nation. It is about time to alter it.”

• Got own seat and separate signatory

After the War

• With a partner decide what would be your general recommendations for installing lasting peace after this war?

• What should happen to Germany?• What other ideas do you have for

ensuring the peace will last?• What are you predictions for what will

happen?

TREATY OF VERSAILLESTREATY OF VERSAILLES

Treaty of Versailles Simulation1) In your pairs, read your role card explaining

information about who you will be playing in this simulation

2) Summarize your point of view to the group3) As a group discuss the questions given and

come to a consensus as to the problems you face

4) Present what your group has decided to the class

Lloyd George, Orlando, Clemenceau, Wilson

Treaty of Versailles Clauses• Article 231: “War Guilt Clause”• Germany not allowed Air Force or Navy• Small army allowed• Germany must give up land • Germany must pay $65 billion dollars (equivalent today of $785 billion)Final payments were made in 2010

Reparations being sent to France

The Aftermath of Versailles• USA rejects league of Nations• Germany feels “stabbed in the back”• Germans protest at the Reichstag in Berlin: