Ari Gilder, 2-406!
4. a. What were the six general proposals of Wilson’s Fourteen Points?
Wilson’s six general proposals out of the total fourteen were: there would be no secret treaties, freedom of trade and of seas be granted to all other nations, all economic taxes and tariffs on trade be repealed, all nations must reduce the amount of armaments and ammunition in their possession, fair adjustments to the borders of colonies, giving equal importance to the opinions of those who live in the region or nation, and finally, the establishment of “a general association of nations,” or the League of Nations, which would be responsible for ensuring political freedom and independence as well as protection for all nations equally.
b. What effect did the Fourteen Points have?
The Fourteen Points had raised the morale of the Allies’ armies as well as the Germans’. The Germans were so enthusiastic about the plan that they were ready to surrender from the war. However, some of the Allies did not believe all of the points should be taken so seriously, and that the Germans must receive punitive action for their deeds.
5. Describe the territorial demands the following nations made after World War I:
a. France – The French demanded the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine to be returned to their possession, as well as an extension of the French border up till the Rhine River, and in addition, the Saar River valley for coal.
b. Italy – Italy demanded the region of Tirol as well as the city of Trieste, and the port city of Fiume. However, President Woodrow Wilson would not consent to the concession of Fiume, and so Italy left the Paris peace conference.
c. Great Britain – Great Britain wished to claim Germany’s African colonies, and that German naval warships be destroyed, and they be prohibited from constructing any more.
d. Belgium – Belgium had asked for two small pieces of land along the German border.
e. Japan – Japan had wished to establish their permanent control over Marshall, Caroline and Mariana islands, Qingdao, and the Shandong Peninsula, after they had conquered this land during the war. It also wished to receive the first choice and best portion of land of China if any land from it was to be given out.
6. a. Why did Wilson belief in a “peace of justice”?
Wilson believed in a “peace of justice” because he considered all nations to be equal after the war, and everything must be divided fairly.
b. Why did others oppose this belief?
Many Allied countries opposed this idea, and demanded that retribution be taken upon Germany and Austria-Hungary for initiating the war.
4. Summarize the provision of the Versailles Treaty concerning:
a. Reparations – the Germans had to pay $5 billion in damages and reparations within two years and later pay off an additional total of $33 billion.
b. Germany’s colonies – Germany had to abandon fortifying the Rhineland so that Allied troops could occupy it. The Saar Valley which was under their control, was to be controlled by the League of Nations for 15 years. Germany had to forfeit a large amount of land to Poland, cutting off East Prussia from the rest of Germany.
c. German military power – Germany was forced to cease conscripting people to the army and to abolish their reserve army. They were not allowed to produce cannons, artillery, tanks, planes or other large weapons. Nor could they own any submarines or battleships heavier than 10,000 tons.
7. Do you consider World War I a major turning point in world history? Support your answer.
World War I was no doubt a major turning point in world history; in a way, it showed Germany and Austria-Hungary “who’s boss” – at least for the time being. Obviously, the dismantling of Germany as a supergiant in Europe not only created new nations which would have their own impact in world history later, but it also confined them to their borders. Had this not happened, Germany might have eventually dominated Europe, even without World War II. Besides from geographical issues, the military results had also constricted Germany, and had evaded a much larger threat in the future. Also, World War I gave rise to many new military innovations, many of which would be crucial in upcoming wars. The “Great War” had shown to people how nearly the entire world could get involved in a single war, which was confined to a specific area. The casualties had also set the population of the nations involved back. Not only this, but after the war, the Fourteen Points and League of Nations left some loose ends open which would eventually be the focus of tensions later in the future.
Why did President Wilson’s “peace of justice” fail?
President Wilson’s “peace of justice” failed foremost because he did not insist that the Allies sign the Fourteen Points. Also, the French and British felt great spite for the Germans, and felt that they must be forced to pay dearly for what they have done. This feeling, this desire of revenge had given rise to corruption. This corruption led to demands from Germany in the Versailles Treaty that were unfair (although to those nations it seemed quite fair to them at them time). This “peace of justice” ended up being a “peace of vengeance.”
Predict: Why do you think the League of Nations failed to keep peace in the world?
The League of Nations had failed to keep peace in the world mainly because the United States did not join the League. Another reason is that the Council of the League was mainly dominated by 5 permanent members – this provided an unfair advantage to other countries. Not only that, the fact that the amount of members of the Council was so small was unfair, because it didn’t give many other nations the opportunity to serve in the Council. This made the upper house of the League severely imbalanced, which led to corruption, tension, and eventually, war.