jun 28, 1919 - Treaty of Versailles

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signed with Germany. 5th anniv. of Sarajevo

Neutral powers, Russians, and ex-enemies excluded from the conference.. Thus peace took form of an imposed arrangement and the Germans felt no responsibility

3/4 of world population represented. First world peace conference.

Very little organization or united purpose. Wilson insisted that the League be the first cornerstone of every treaty.

All smaller powers relegated to playing minor roles in the decisions.

Wilson, Clemenceau and Lloyd George. Wilson clung to ideals: absolute justice, democracy, self-determination. Clemenceau: hatred of Germany and security of France.

2 main tasks: settlement with GE and redrawing the map of central/eastern Europe.

GE's colonies distributed under mandate to the powers which occupied them. Navy severely weakened. Wilson/George refused to grant France the Rhineland, offered support if FR attacked by GE. Senate refused to ratify this and BR said this invalidated her part of the treaty, so FR left feeling shafted. Led to it embarking on feverish quest for safeguards of security.

GE recognized indep of all former Russian territories. Renounced union with Austria. Chief beneficiary in SE Europe was Serbia, transformed into Yugoslavia. Czech and Romania doubled in size, Greece gained, Poland owed its existence to the events of the war. France found allies among these states. France became the mainstay of conservative forces in Europe.

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