Peace Making

German defeat and the armistice

By November 1918, Germany was in chaos as its army was defeated, morale was low, and there were food and fuel shortages. Widespread revolts led to the Kaiser's abdication. Germany sought an armistice, hoping for fair terms, but they were harsh. The armistice, signed on November 11, 1918, required Germany to evacuate France and Belgium, surrender heavy weapons, accept a naval blockade, take blame for the war, and pay reparations.

The aims of the Big Three

After the armistice, the Treaty of Versailles negotiations began in January 1918, led by the "Big Three": Clemenceau (France), Lloyd George (Britain), and Wilson (USA). Clemenceau wanted to punish Germany and secure reparations, Lloyd George sought moderate punishment to maintain trade and strengthen the British Empire, while Wilson advocated for his Fourteen Points, emphasizing diplomacy, self-determination, and a League of Nations.

The term of the Treaty of Versailles

Germany accepted blame for the war under Article 231, paying £6.6 billion in reparations. Its military was reduced, and the Rhineland demilitarized. Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, Poland gained independence and the Polish Corridor, and the Saar was governed by the League of Nations. Germany lost all colonies and was excluded from the League of Nations.

Was the Treaty of Versailles a harsh or fair treaty?

• The TOV was fair

  Germany caused significant damage and loss during WWI, justifying reparations. In 1918, Germany imposed a much harsher treaty on Russia, taking a third of its population, whereas the Treaty of Versailles was less severe. The reparations amounted to only 2% of Germany’s annual income.

• The TOV was harsh and unfair

  It would be hard to maintain peace in Europe if two major powers like Germany and Russia were not members of the league.

Reactions to the Treaty of Versailles

• German Reaction: Germany hoped for a fair treaty based on Wilson's Fourteen Points but was shocked by the harsh TOV, leading to protests and feelings of humiliation. Many resented being blamed for the war, and those who signed the armistice were labeled "November Criminals."

• American Reaction: Wilson thought the TOV was too harsh and feared it could lead to another war. The US Senate rejected the treaty and refused to join the League of Nations.

• British Reaction: Lloyd George was pleased with territorial gains and a weakened German navy but worried the TOV was too harsh, fearing future German revenge and economic weakness.

• French Reaction: France was satisfied with Germany’s blame and weakened military but wanted higher reparations and a harsher treaty.