The Fourteen Points
Woodrow Wilson’s vision for the post -WWI
world
Wilson began to prepare this even BEFORE the
US came involved in WWI
GOAL: Promote peace and eliminate the causes
of WWI
In 1919, Wilson traveled
to France peace
conference
The most important
“point” to him was the
14 th: League of Nations
He wanted a lasting
peace, not punishment:
“peace without victory”
The Big Four: Controlled
the Peace Conference
Wilson (USA)
David Lloyd George
(Britain)
Vittorio Orlando
(Italy)
Georges Clemenceau
(France)
Conflicting Goals:
Wilson: Lasting Peace
The other three leaders:
Punish Germany so that
country could never again be a
threat to Europe
DE Peace, Diplomacy, Reparation: 2:35 - 5:33
Treaty of Versailles
Germany loses territory in Europe and all its colonies!
Germany had to accept complete blame for the war:
WAR GUILT CLAUSE!
Germany had to pay reparations: payments for war
damages!
Germany’s military was reduced in size: also, no uboats, planes, or tanks allowed!
A League of Nations would be formed (Wilson’s 14th
pt.)
DE Peace, Diplomacy, Reparation: 5:33- end
German Reaction:
Felt angry at and humiliated by their own
leaders as well as the Allied leaders
Complying with the Treaty plunged the country
into a depression (economic downturn):
hunger, unemployment, destroyed cities from
WWI
Germans wanted revenge, and sought a leader
who would restore Germany as a great power
https://youtu.be/2SHIY8C-Elc?t=38m6s
to 41:41