Woodrow Wilson Fights For Peace

1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?

Wilson's 14th proposed setting up a League of Nations in which countries could talk through diplomatic issues so that going to war could be avoided whenever possible.
2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?

The treaty forbid Germany from having an army. It also forced Germany to repay $33 billion dollars to the Allies - money that Germany did not have. Finally, the treaty forced Germany to give the region of Alsace-Lorraine back to France. Also, the treaty forced Germany to take full responsibility for the war.
3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?

The treaty had many unforeseen weaknesses. Firstly, the treaty embarrassed Germany. How could a stable nation be rebuilt if one of its parts is being ridiculed? Also, the treaty asked Germany to pay the Allies vast sums of money - it was not taken into consideration that Germany didn't have nearly that much money. Thirdly, although Russia had participated heavily in the war, it was not included in the conference. It also lost a lot of land - even more than Germany did. Finally, the treaty completely ignored certain groups of people - such as the Vietnamese citizens, who were vying for rights equaled those of Western citizens.
4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?

Lodge believed that the League would interfere with the U.S.' policy of isolationism. He was particularly suspicious of the League's call for joint military and financial action against any insubordination - even though involvement in such situations would be completely voluntary.
5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?

Wilson ignored the Republican majority and picked unpopular candidates for his delegation. Traveling throughout the country made him too ill to continue to give speeches to the Senate; even then, he absolutely refused to compromise. Had he been a little more willing to bend, the treaty might have been passed.
6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?

Many Germans were outraged at the treatment of Germany in the Treaty of Versailles - they had expected Wilson to make things even across Europe, but instead, they got severely undercut. They had lost land, men, money, and dignity, all with nothing to show for it. Adolf Hitler promised a vision of a new, strong, constantly victorious Germany, which everyone would respect - how could anyone say no?
7. Who is George Clemenceau?

George Clemenceau was the French premier at the time of WWI.
8. Who is David Lloyd George?

David Lloyd George was the British prime minister at the time of WWI.
9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.

Russia had no involvement in the peace conference - it was specifically excluded from negotiations.