The War to end all Wars comes to an end
World War One was a war like none before it. Many people thought it was (and called it) "the war to end all wars." Almost Eight Million soldiers were killed in the fighting. Europe's fields and cities were destroyed. Germany had finally been defeated on the battlefield, all that was left to be done was to sign the Treaty to end the War.
Leaders of most of the Allied countries met in France to determine the outcome of the war with the creation of a Treaty. Wilson (U.S.A), Clemenceau (France) and Lloyd George (England) were the most important people involved in the treaty. It is important to note both Russia and Germany were left out of the dealings.
As a class we will host our own version of the "Treaty of Versailles"
The below link will take you to a pdf version of the Versailles treaty activity- it is also connected as a file below. Note that only pages 1-13 are important for you.
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year9links/wwi/versaillessimulation.pdf
Wilson's 14 Points
Woodrow Wilson and the United States entered the War well after it had begun, but Wilson wanted to be important in the treaty negotiations, he created a list of things he thought the Treaty should achieve, called the 14 Points. They read as follows;
1. There should be no secret treaties; all international agreements should be open.
2. The seas were to be free to all countries at all times.
3. Customs barriers between countries should be removed.
4. Armaments should be reduced.
5. The wishes of the peoples in colonies should be taken into account when settling colonial claims.
6. German forces should leave Russia.
7. Belgium should be independent.
8. Alsace-Lorranine should be returned to France.
9. Italy’s frontier with Austria should be adjusted to avoid confrontation with Austria.
10.There should be self determination for the peoples of Eastern Europe.
This allows different nationalities the right to govern themselves as independent nations. 11.Serbia should be given a coastline.
12.There should be self-determination for the people of the Turkish empire.
13.Poland should be independent and given a coastline.
14.An International organization should be set up to deal with international incidents and disputes (therefore avoiding war) - League of Nations.
| versaillessimulation.pdf |
Alternative Assignment
1. What was the Treaty of Versailles?
2. What countries were at the treaty of Versailles? (What important country was not involved?)
3. List and Describe Wilsons “14 Points”
4. Describe how the Treaty of Versailles left Germans feeling bitter. Be sure to include reparations and the war-guilt clause.
