17.3 The End of World War 1

Armistice

An agreement to end hostilities, signed on November 11, 1918.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for peace used for peace negotiations to end World War I.

Disarmament

The reduction of military sizes and armaments to the lowest point possible.

Self-determination

The right of people to choose their own form of government.

Treaty of Versailles

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

German Surrender (1918)

The collapse of the German front leading to their unconditional surrender.

League of Nations

An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries.

Flu Pandemic of 1918

A deadly influenza outbreak that killed approximately 50 million people worldwide.

Henry Cabot Lodge

A Republican senator who opposed Wilson's Treaty of Versailles due to concerns about entanglement in global conflicts.

Vladimir Lenin's Perspective

Characterized the war as merely a land grab, focusing on imperialism.

Woodrow Wilson's Perspective

Viewed the war as a struggle for peace and freedom.

Georges Clemenceau

French Premier who strongly opposed Germany at the Versailles Peace Conference.

David Lloyd-George

British Prime Minister who aimed to punish Germany while addressing public demands for peace.

Article 10 of the League Covenant

Called for mutual defense by the signers of the treaty, which raised concerns about U.S. involvement in foreign wars.

Isolationists

Senators who opposed U.S. involvement in international organizations like the League of Nations.

Reservationists

Senators who were against the treaty but were willing to support it with modifications.

Reparations

Compensation imposed on Germany by the Allies for the damages caused during World War I.

Alsace-Lorraine

Territory returned to France from Germany as a condition of the Treaty of Versailles.

Mutual Guarantees

A principle in Wilson's philosophy suggesting nations should ensure each other's political independence.

Peace Conference in Versailles

Meeting in early 1919 where Allied leaders negotiated peace terms after World War I.

Population Transfers

The reassignment of certain ethnic groups to different countries following World War I borders adjustments.

Political Independence

The status of a political entity having self-governance and autonomy.

Pueblo, Colorado

Location where President Wilson's health deteriorated during his campaign for the Treaty.

Mutual Defense

An obligation of members of the League of Nations to protect one another against aggression.

Clemenceau's Demands

Insisted on reparations from Germany and return of Alsace-Lorraine, reflecting France's desire for punishment.

Proponents of the League

Supporters who believed U.S. participation in the League would benefit national interests.

Opponents of the League

Critics who felt the League would entangle the U.S. in foreign disputes.

Wilson's Idealism

Wilson's vision characterized by a faith in democracy and peaceful resolutions to international conflicts.

Congressional Opposition

Challenges faced by Wilson concerning the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles due to Republican control.

Missed Opportunities for Compromise

Wilson's reluctance to negotiate with Senate opponents led to the treaty's eventual defeat.

Wilson's Health Issues

His illness during the peace negotiations that hindered his effectiveness in the process.

International Waters

Oceans and seas not under the jurisdiction of any single nation, emphasized in Wilson's principles.

Wilson's First Point

Open diplomacy without secret treaties.

Wilson's Second Point

Freedom of the seas in peace and war.

Wilson's Third Point

Removal of economic barriers and equality of trade.

Wilson's Fourth Point

Reduction of armaments to the lowest point consistent with domestic safety.

Wilson's Fifth Point

Adjustment of colonial claims with consideration for the interests of both colonial peoples and imperial powers.

Wilson's Sixth Point

The right of self-determination for nationalities.

Wilson's Seventh Point

Evacuation of all Russian territory and a welcome for its government.

Wilson's Eighth Point

Restoration of Belgian sovereignty.

Wilson's Ninth Point

Return of Alsace-Lorraine to France.

Wilson's Tenth Point

Adjustment of Italy's borders along clearly recognizable lines of nationality.

Wilson's Eleventh Point

Redrawing of the boundaries of Austria-Hungary, with self-determination for the peoples.

Wilson's Twelfth Point

Creation of an independent Poland with access to the sea.

Wilson's Thirteenth Point

Formation of a League of Nations to provide mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.

Wilson's Fourteenth Point

General association of nations to guarantee political independence and territorial integrity.