Syllabus_First_World_War

Issues That Undermined the Paris Peace Conference of 1919

Differing Attitudes and Desires of Key Leaders

• Georges Clemenceau (France): Clemenceau, known as "The Tiger," was determined to punish Germany severely to prevent any future threat to France. His priorities included reparations, military disarmament of Germany, and restoring France’s security. He sought to reclaim territories like Alsace-Lorraine and aimed for a strong buffer zone against future German aggression.

• David Lloyd George (United Kingdom): Lloyd George was torn between the desire for punishment and the need for stability in Europe. He recognized that excessive punitive measures could lead to future conflict; thus, he aimed for reparations that would not cripple Germany economically. His focus was on maintaining British interests and ensuring that Germany remained a functioning state that could trade with Britain.

• Woodrow Wilson (United States): Wilson advocated for a more lenient approach towards Germany, promoting ideas of self-determination and a "peace without victory." He emphasized the formation of the League of Nations to promote collective security and prevent future wars. His Fourteen Points included principles aimed at addressing the root causes of the war rather than punitive measures.

Territorial Rearrangements and Their Problems

• The conference led to significant redrawing of borders in Europe, creating new nations and altering existing ones.

• Examples of Problematic Changes:

  • Poland: The re-creation of Poland included territories from Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia, leading to tensions as minority populations found themselves in nations where they were not the majority.

  • Czechoslovakia: Formed from parts of Austria-Hungary, the nation encompassed a variety of ethnic groups, leading to potential future ethnic conflicts.

  • Yugoslavia: The unification of Slavic peoples under one state was complicated by ethnic diversity, particularly tensions between Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

• These territorial changes often ignored ethnic and national identities, setting the stage for discontent and future conflicts.

Punishments Imposed Upon Germany and Their Issues

• The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including significant territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations obligations aimed at compensating the Allied powers.

• Challenges of Enforcing Punishments:

  • Many in Germany viewed the Treaty as a "Diktat" or dictated peace, leading to resentment and a desire for revenge, which was not conducive to long-lasting peace.

  • The economic hardships imposed by reparations could destabilize the country, contrary to Clemenceau's desire for a secure France.

Assessment of Reparations and Financial Issues

• Reparations were assessed based on the damage caused by the war and were set in German marks. However, this valuation was problematic due to inflation and economic instability in post-war Germany, complicating payment.

• The London Schedule of Payments categorized reparations into three bonds:

  • Category A Bonds: Immediate payments for urgent reparations.

  • Category B Bonds: Additional payments to be made later, depending on Germany’s economic recovery.

  • Category C Bonds: Long-term payments over many years, with the amount to be adjusted based on Germany's economic conditions.

• The complexities of these bonds, coupled with Germany's economic struggles, made the expectation for timely repayments unrealistic. Additionally, the punitive nature of these reparations contributed to the instability that eventually led to the rise of radical politics in Germany in the subsequent years.