The Treaty Of Versailles

“The Treaty That Defined The 20th Century”

Wilson insists on idealism, the League of

Nations and self-determination. But France & Britain only want to punish

Germany The resulting treaty was a compromise.

League was created but harsh reparations, “War Guilt” and dismemberment of Germany.

The US Senate then refuses to adopt the treaty. The American retreat into isolation dooms

League (and Europe?) and sets up World War II.

The Traditional View Of Versailles (McKay)

Is the traditional interpretation supported by

the evidence?

However . . .

Was The Lost German

Territory Really “German?”

Look at the map again.

Was Germany Really Worse Off?

Relative to its neighbors, Germany is better

than it was at the beginning of the War. Austrian Empire gone, replace by small, weak

states. Germany is the only Central European power. By contrast, England and France don’t really

benefit much from victory.

Was Germany Really Worse Off?

Allies were willing to give them up in return for

forgiveness of their war debt to U.S. U.S. says no way, so Allies insist Germany pay.

Germany actually pays very little reparations out of pocket. Mostly borrows from U.S. to pay France to repay U.S.

But Germany perceives as unfair.

Were Reparations Really So Bad?

Not unique. Germany had imposed same

condition on France after Franco-Prussian War. But Germans were not told / did not believe

that. Again, they perceive the treaty as unfair.

The “War Guilt” Clause