Effects of World War I and the Paris Peace Conference

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the effects of World War I, the Paris Peace Conference, and specific aims and disagreements among the key leaders involved.

Paris Peace Conference

A conference held from January 1919 to January 1920 with 32 nations represented, primarily addressing issues from World War I.

Big Three

The key leaders at the Paris Peace Conference were from the USA, Britain, and France.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that officially ended World War I and imposed harsh penalties and reparations on Germany.

Economic Impact of WWI on Europe

Following WWI, Britain, Russia, and France were economically devastated, relying on US funds due to bankruptcy.

Political Effects of WWI

The collapse of empires such as Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey; rise of Bolsheviks in Russia.

Clemenceau's Aims

France's primary aim was to cripple Germany to ensure French security after suffering significant destruction during the war.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for peace aimed at preventing future conflicts, proposed by President Woodrow Wilson.

Lloyd George's Position

Britain's Prime Minister, moderate, seeking to punish Germany but also maintain trade relationships.

Self-determination

The right of people to govern themselves, a principle notably supported by Wilson.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

A harsh treaty imposed on Russia by Germany in 1918, resulting in significant territorial and economic losses for Russia.

German Reparations

Payments imposed on Germany following WWI to cover damages, heavily debated among the Big Three.

Disagreements Among the Big Three

Differing aims between Wilson, Clemenceau, and Lloyd George that complicated the treaty negotiations.

Conflict between Clemenceau and Wilson on Germany's fate

Clemenceau demanded a harsh punishment and weakening of Germany for French security, directly opposing Wilson's vision for a 'peace without victory' and leniency towards Germany through his Fourteen Points.

Wilson's clash over self-determination and territorial claims

Wilson's emphasis on national self-determination for various groups frequently conflicted with the territorial ambitions and colonial interests of Britain and France, particularly regarding former German and Ottoman territories.

Lloyd George's mediating role in reparations debate

Lloyd George sought a compromise on German reparations, aiming to satisfy British public demand for compensation while ensuring Germany's economic stability for trade, positioning him between Clemenceau's punitive stance and Wilson's less harsh approach.