the armenian genocide traditionally, the ottomans had let minorities live in their own communities...

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide Traditionally, the Ottomans had let Traditionally, the Ottomans had let

minorities live in their own minorities live in their own communities and practice their own communities and practice their own religions. religions.

From the 1890’s until WWI, Turkish From the 1890’s until WWI, Turkish nationalism clashed with minority nationalism clashed with minority peoples who wanted their own states.peoples who wanted their own states.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide One such group One such group

were the Christian were the Christian Armenians, who Armenians, who were concentrated were concentrated in the mountainous in the mountainous eastern region of eastern region of the empire.the empire.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide

After joining the Central Powers, the After joining the Central Powers, the Ottomans looked for a way to “solve” Ottomans looked for a way to “solve” their “Armenian question.”their “Armenian question.”

They forced the Armenians to turn They forced the Armenians to turn over every pistol or rifle they owned.over every pistol or rifle they owned.

Armenians in the Turkish military Armenians in the Turkish military (about 40,000 men) were forced to (about 40,000 men) were forced to turn over their weapons then sent to turn over their weapons then sent to slave labor camps.slave labor camps.


When Armenians protested against When Armenians protested against Ottoman repression, the sultan had tens Ottoman repression, the sultan had tens of thousands arrested and murdered.of thousands arrested and murdered.

The genocide began in April 1915 as The genocide began in April 1915 as 300 Armenian religious, cultural, and 300 Armenian religious, cultural, and political leaders were taken from their political leaders were taken from their homes, tortured, then hung or shot.homes, tortured, then hung or shot.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide The Turks distrusted The Turks distrusted

the Christian Armenians the Christian Armenians and accused them of and accused them of siding (and fighting) siding (and fighting) with Christian Russia with Christian Russia against the Muslim against the Muslim Ottomans.Ottomans.

Mass arrests of Mass arrests of thousands of men thousands of men ended in their murders, ended in their murders, usually on the outskirts usually on the outskirts of their villages.of their villages.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide Women, children, and the elderly were Women, children, and the elderly were

next as they were told to leave all next as they were told to leave all possessions behind (they were told they possessions behind (they were told they were quickly being re-located to a non-were quickly being re-located to a non-military zone—for their own safety). military zone—for their own safety).

They were actually being sent on death They were actually being sent on death marches southward towards the Syrian marches southward towards the Syrian desert.desert.

Their homes and possessions were then Their homes and possessions were then taken by ethnic Turks.taken by ethnic Turks.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide They were sent without food and water They were sent without food and water

and were escorted by Turkish horsemen.and were escorted by Turkish horsemen. Many were forced to march in the desert Many were forced to march in the desert

sun completely nude, where they died of sun completely nude, where they died of dehydration or exhaustion.dehydration or exhaustion.

The Armenian GenocideThe Armenian Genocide Some were killed by being thrown off Some were killed by being thrown off

cliffs, burned alive, or drowned in rivers. cliffs, burned alive, or drowned in rivers. An estimated 75% of the Armenians on An estimated 75% of the Armenians on

these death marches died.these death marches died. The Turkish countryside became littered The Turkish countryside became littered

with corpses.with corpses.


Between April 1915-Between April 1915-January 1919, the January 1919, the New New York TimesYork Times ran 190 ran 190 articles related to the articles related to the genocide. America genocide. America raised money but did raised money but did little else.little else.

Even the Pope asked Even the Pope asked the Kaiser to intervene.the Kaiser to intervene.


By the end of By the end of WWI, over 1 WWI, over 1 million Armenians million Armenians had been killed, had been killed, victims of ethnic victims of ethnic cleansing and the cleansing and the 2020thth century’s century’s first genocide. first genocide.


After the war, the Allies asked the After the war, the Allies asked the United States to be the guardian of United States to be the guardian of the new Republic of Armenia.the new Republic of Armenia.

President Wilson’s attempt to make President Wilson’s attempt to make Armenia an American protectorate Armenia an American protectorate failed in Congress in May 1920.failed in Congress in May 1920.

Armenia was eventually absorbed by Armenia was eventually absorbed by Soviet Russia.Soviet Russia.


An unfortunate lesson of historyAn unfortunate lesson of history:: When Hitler decided to conquer Poland in When Hitler decided to conquer Poland in

1939 he told his generals: 1939 he told his generals: "Thus for the "Thus for the time being I have sent to the East time being I have sent to the East only my 'Death's Head Units' with the only my 'Death's Head Units' with the orders to kill without pity or mercy all orders to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and children of Polish men, women, and children of Polish race or language. Only in such a way race or language. Only in such a way will we win the vital space that we will we win the vital space that we need. Who still talks nowadays about need. Who still talks nowadays about the the ArmeniansArmenians?" ?"

America at WarAmerica at War

When America officially entered the war When America officially entered the war in April 1917, the strength of her allies in April 1917, the strength of her allies was not immediately affected. was not immediately affected.

Even when/if the United States entered Even when/if the United States entered the war, Germany calculated it would be the war, Germany calculated it would be over before the U.S. could come to the over before the U.S. could come to the rescue of her allies.rescue of her allies.

America at WarAmerica at War

The German military “high command” The German military “high command” promised that submarine warfare promised that submarine warfare would bring the war to an end within would bring the war to an end within six months.six months.

German U-boats continued to sink German U-boats continued to sink large numbers of ships and by the end large numbers of ships and by the end of 1917, British shipping had been of 1917, British shipping had been paralyzed.paralyzed.

Hanging OnHanging On

With great shortages of food and With great shortages of food and supplies, it was feared that Britain was supplies, it was feared that Britain was less than six weeks from mass starvation less than six weeks from mass starvation and total collapse.and total collapse.

France fared little better. By now, troops France fared little better. By now, troops from the Eastern Front swelled the from the Eastern Front swelled the German lines. German lines.

The Central Powers prepared for a final The Central Powers prepared for a final offensive, set for the spring of 1918.offensive, set for the spring of 1918.

Beginning of the EndBeginning of the End Civilians throughout Europe protested Civilians throughout Europe protested

against food shortages and high prices.against food shortages and high prices. In Italy, Austria, Germany, and Russia In Italy, Austria, Germany, and Russia

women rioted.women rioted. Austria-Hungary secretly asked the Allies Austria-Hungary secretly asked the Allies

for a negotiated peace to avoid a total for a negotiated peace to avoid a total collapse of the empire.collapse of the empire.

Summer 1917 Germany wanted a “peace Summer 1917 Germany wanted a “peace of understanding and permanent of understanding and permanent reconciliation of peoples.”reconciliation of peoples.”

Women at WorkWomen at Work As men joined the armed forces, women As men joined the armed forces, women

stepped into their jobs. In factories, stepped into their jobs. In factories, women became welders and assembled women became welders and assembled airplane parts. Some women drove trolley airplane parts. Some women drove trolley cars and delivered the mail. Others cars and delivered the mail. Others served as police officers or worked on the served as police officers or worked on the railroad. Work in jobs considered “for men railroad. Work in jobs considered “for men only” helped change societal attitudes only” helped change societal attitudes about what women could do.about what women could do.

The Great MigrationThe Great Migration Besides major societal changes for women Besides major societal changes for women

there were major changes for African-there were major changes for African-Americans. Some argue that Americans. Some argue that the most the most enduring effect on American life occurred in enduring effect on American life occurred in the African-American community.the African-American community.

In 1910, 4 out of 5 African-Americans lived in In 1910, 4 out of 5 African-Americans lived in the South, mostly as tenant farmers. As the the South, mostly as tenant farmers. As the wartime economy took hold, nearly wartime economy took hold, nearly 2,000,0002,000,000 African-Americans made their way to the African-Americans made their way to the industrial cities of the North, looking for jobs in industrial cities of the North, looking for jobs in the steel, auto, mining, and construction the steel, auto, mining, and construction industries.industries.

The Great MigrationThe Great Migration Some cities of the North Some cities of the North

saw their populations go saw their populations go up 20%. up 20%.

Cities like New York, Cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh Cleveland, and Pittsburgh saw the largest increases.saw the largest increases.

The Great MigrationThe Great Migration Unfortunately, many Unfortunately, many

found prejudice and found prejudice and violence. violence.

When race riots broke out When race riots broke out in E. St. Louis, IL in 1917, in E. St. Louis, IL in 1917, 39 African-Americans 39 African-Americans were killed. Many around were killed. Many around the country carried signs the country carried signs that demanded “Mr. that demanded “Mr. President, why not make President, why not make AMERICA safe for AMERICA safe for Democracy?”Democracy?”

Americans in FranceAmericans in France By March 1918, almost a By March 1918, almost a

year after officially entering year after officially entering the war, fewer than the war, fewer than 300,000 American troops 300,000 American troops had landed in France. By had landed in France. By June, that number would June, that number would swell to almost two million.swell to almost two million.

Fresh and eager to fight, Fresh and eager to fight, though not well trained, though not well trained, they gave the Allies the they gave the Allies the much needed boost to win.much needed boost to win.

Americans in FranceAmericans in France The Americans met stiff German resistance, The Americans met stiff German resistance,

but the Americans proved too much for the but the Americans proved too much for the beleaguered Germans. beleaguered Germans.

Allied generals wanted the Americans to play Allied generals wanted the Americans to play back-up to their troops but the American back-up to their troops but the American commanders refused. commanders refused.

The U.S. insisted on operating American The U.S. insisted on operating American troops separately so that the U.S. could have troops separately so that the U.S. could have a role in shaping the peace.a role in shaping the peace.

The War EndsThe War Ends In September 1918 it was obvious to the In September 1918 it was obvious to the

German High Command that the entrance of German High Command that the entrance of the United States (which they had hoped the United States (which they had hoped would not be a factor) changed the dynamics would not be a factor) changed the dynamics of the war, and they could not win. The of the war, and they could not win. The Ottoman Empire collapsed. Austria-Hungary Ottoman Empire collapsed. Austria-Hungary collapsed.collapsed.

Germany stood alone and it was now a Germany stood alone and it was now a matter of time before she too, collapsed.matter of time before she too, collapsed.

The German people were close to starvation, The German people were close to starvation, and anger and frustration could be seen and and anger and frustration could be seen and felt everywhere in Germany.felt everywhere in Germany.

The War EndsThe War Ends On October 4, 1918, Prince On October 4, 1918, Prince

Max von Baden, the head Max von Baden, the head of the German cabinet of the German cabinet secretly cabled President secretly cabled President Wilson: Wilson:

““To avoid further To avoid further bloodshed, the German bloodshed, the German government requests the government requests the President to arrange the President to arrange the immediate conclusion of immediate conclusion of an armistice on land, by an armistice on land, by sea, and in the air.”sea, and in the air.”

The War EndsThe War Ends

President Wilson set two conditions President Wilson set two conditions for an armistice:for an armistice:

1). Germany must accept his plan for 1). Germany must accept his plan for peace (the 14 Points) peace (the 14 Points) andand

2). The German emperor, Kaiser 2). The German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, must abdicate the throne Wilhelm II, must abdicate the throne (Germany must become democratic).(Germany must become democratic).


While German leaders debated While German leaders debated Wilson’s terms, rebellion simmered in Wilson’s terms, rebellion simmered in the German ranks.the German ranks.

Wilson’s Wilson’s Fourteen PointsFourteen Points seemed so seemed so reasonable to most Germans that reasonable to most Germans that revolution was in the air. revolution was in the air.

The German Army lost ground every The German Army lost ground every day. German sailors mutinied. day. German sailors mutinied. Several German cities threatened Several German cities threatened revolt. Germany was disintegrating revolt. Germany was disintegrating into chaos.into chaos.

The War EndsThe War Ends On November 9, 1918, Kaiser On November 9, 1918, Kaiser

Wilhelm was forced to resign. He Wilhelm was forced to resign. He fled to Holland and Germany became fled to Holland and Germany became a republic.a republic.

The Kaiser’s son, Crown Prince The Kaiser’s son, Crown Prince Wilhelm III asked to lead Germany’s Wilhelm III asked to lead Germany’s army home. army home.

His request was denied and he went His request was denied and he went into exile with his father. into exile with his father.

The War EndsThe War Ends The war officially ended with the The war officially ended with the

armistice signed on armistice signed on November 11, November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m.1918 at 11:00 a.m. (the eleventh day (the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour).eleventh hour).

.


The most bloody war in human The most bloody war in human history (to that point) was finally history (to that point) was finally over. over.

Estimates range to over 20 million Estimates range to over 20 million killed (military and civilian).killed (military and civilian).

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles

Looking for the New World Looking for the New World OrderOrder

The AftermathThe Aftermath When the armistice was signed on When the armistice was signed on

November 11, 1918, the German November 11, 1918, the German people were unaware that their army people were unaware that their army had been defeated in the field and had been defeated in the field and was crumbling.was crumbling.

No foreign soldiers stood on German No foreign soldiers stood on German soil and Germany was spared the soil and Germany was spared the destruction eastern France and destruction eastern France and Belgium saw.Belgium saw.

The AftermathThe Aftermath

Most Germans expected a negotiated Most Germans expected a negotiated and relatively mild settlement.and relatively mild settlement.

But the actual settlement was quite But the actual settlement was quite different and embittered the German different and embittered the German people, many who now believed that people, many who now believed that Germany had been tricked by the Germany had been tricked by the Allies and betrayed—some called it Allies and betrayed—some called it ““stabbed in the backstabbed in the back”—by subversive ”—by subversive (i.e. communistic) elements at home.(i.e. communistic) elements at home.

The AftermathThe Aftermath The victors rejoiced but they had much to The victors rejoiced but they had much to

mourn. The casualties on both sides mourn. The casualties on both sides numbered nearly 10,000,000 dead and numbered nearly 10,000,000 dead and twice that wounded.twice that wounded.

The economic and financial resources of The economic and financial resources of Europe were decimated.Europe were decimated.


Europeans had Europeans had been the world’s been the world’s creditors; now creditors; now they were heavy they were heavy debtors to the debtors to the new American new American colossus.colossus.

The Aftermath The Aftermath The old international The old international

order was dead. order was dead. Russia was ruled by Russia was ruled by a Communist a Communist dictator that dictator that preached worldwide preached worldwide revolution and the revolution and the overthrowing of overthrowing of capitalism capitalism everywhere.everywhere.


Germany was in chaos. Austria-Germany was in chaos. Austria-Hungary disintegrated into small Hungary disintegrated into small nation-states. nation-states.

The The Age of European HegemonyAge of European Hegemony, , which lasted nearly 500 years, was which lasted nearly 500 years, was over.over.

Europe was no longer the center of Europe was no longer the center of the world.the world.

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles The representatives of the victorious Allies The representatives of the victorious Allies

(over 30 countries) met in Paris (Versailles) (over 30 countries) met in Paris (Versailles) during the first half of 1919 to draft an official during the first half of 1919 to draft an official peace settlement.peace settlement.

Commanding most of the attention were the Commanding most of the attention were the leaders of the “leaders of the “Big Four,” Woodrow Wilson Big Four,” Woodrow Wilson (U.S.), David Lloyd George (GB), Georges (U.S.), David Lloyd George (GB), Georges Clemenceau (FR), and Vittorio Orlando (IT).Clemenceau (FR), and Vittorio Orlando (IT).


Unlike the diplomats who met in Vienna Unlike the diplomats who met in Vienna a century earlier (i.e. Metternich), the a century earlier (i.e. Metternich), the ““Big FourBig Four” represented democratic ” represented democratic governments…meaning they had to governments…meaning they had to pay attention to public opinion (or risk pay attention to public opinion (or risk being voted out of office).being voted out of office).

Most of the Versailles meetings were Most of the Versailles meetings were held in the full glare of the public via held in the full glare of the public via the press.the press.


President Wilson had turned WWI President Wilson had turned WWI (and now Versailles) into a moral (and now Versailles) into a moral crusade of good over evil. crusade of good over evil. His His Fourteen Points were “good,” the old Fourteen Points were “good,” the old order was “evil.” order was “evil.”

But Wilson’s idealism came into But Wilson’s idealism came into conflict with the more practical war conflict with the more practical war aims of the other Allies.aims of the other Allies.

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles His 14 Points raised hopes that a His 14 Points raised hopes that a

more just and democratic future more just and democratic future would be established.would be established.

Wilson’s primary goal was the Wilson’s primary goal was the creation of an international creation of an international authority (the authority (the League of NationsLeague of Nations) ) whose main purpose was to whose main purpose was to preserve peace through the preserve peace through the collective action of thecollective action of themember nations against any member nations against any aggressor (aggressor (collective securitycollective security).).

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles To achieve his goal, Wilson was willing to To achieve his goal, Wilson was willing to

compromise on other issues with the compromise on other issues with the Allies.Allies.

Wilson firmly believed the League could Wilson firmly believed the League could resolve problems that had not been resolve problems that had not been solved or those not foreseen by the solved or those not foreseen by the Treaty conferees.Treaty conferees.


For example, Wilson made national For example, Wilson made national self-determination a priority even self-determination a priority even though there was no way to redraw though there was no way to redraw the map of Europe to match ethnic the map of Europe to match ethnic groups perfectly with their groups perfectly with their homelands.homelands.


Georges Clemenceau and Georges Clemenceau and France wanted revenge France wanted revenge and they wanted to punish and they wanted to punish Germany. Of the victors, Germany. Of the victors, France had lost the most. France had lost the most.

The French wanted to The French wanted to make sure the Germans make sure the Germans never had the ability to never had the ability to wage war on them again.wage war on them again.


David Lloyd George and David Lloyd George and the British also wanted the British also wanted revenge but were not as revenge but were not as vengeful as the Frenchvengeful as the French. .

Lloyd George even Lloyd George even privately said he didn’t privately said he didn’t want to punish Germany want to punish Germany too severely, fearing that it too severely, fearing that it would lead to future would lead to future problems.problems.


Vittorio Orlando and Italy wanted to Vittorio Orlando and Italy wanted to collect on the territory promised to collect on the territory promised to them if they came in on the side of the them if they came in on the side of the Allies. Allies.

Wilson persuaded the others that Italy Wilson persuaded the others that Italy wasn’t entitled, so Orlando left wasn’t entitled, so Orlando left Versailles early, humiliated and Versailles early, humiliated and furious. furious.


When the armistice was signed on November When the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, German leaders believed they would 11, 1918, German leaders believed they would be consulted by the Allies on the contents of be consulted by the Allies on the contents of the peace treaty.the peace treaty.

The Germans believed Wilson’s Fourteen The Germans believed Wilson’s Fourteen Points represented a Points represented a settlementsettlement instead of a instead of a surrendersurrender..

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles On June 28, 1919 the victors concluded six On June 28, 1919 the victors concluded six

months of negotiations and met in the Hall months of negotiations and met in the Hall of Mirrors (the same room in Palace of of Mirrors (the same room in Palace of Versailles where Germany proclaimed her Versailles where Germany proclaimed her second empire in 1871). second empire in 1871).

Germany was forced to agree to the terms Germany was forced to agree to the terms of the peace.of the peace.


Germany was not allowed to send Germany was not allowed to send any delegates and had no choice but any delegates and had no choice but to accept whatever was decided.to accept whatever was decided.

Not showing Germany the contents Not showing Germany the contents of the Treaty until a few weeks of the Treaty until a few weeks before they were to sign it angered before they were to sign it angered them, but the Germans knew there them, but the Germans knew there was nothing they could do about it.was nothing they could do about it.


The anger and humiliation the The anger and humiliation the German public felt when the terms German public felt when the terms were made public caused the Treaty were made public caused the Treaty to be called the ‘to be called the ‘DiktatDiktat’ (since ’ (since Germany was being dictated to).Germany was being dictated to).

Germany was given two choices: sign Germany was given two choices: sign the Treaty or be invaded by the the Treaty or be invaded by the Allies. Allies.


In reality, the Germans knew they In reality, the Germans knew they had no choice because a condition of had no choice because a condition of the Armistice was that the German the Armistice was that the German army had to be disbanded. army had to be disbanded.

Germany was defenseless against Germany was defenseless against the Allies.the Allies.

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles Germany was particularly upset about Germany was particularly upset about

Article 231Article 231 (the infamous “(the infamous “War Guilt War Guilt ClauseClause”). ”).

““The Allied and Associated GovernmentsThe Allied and Associated Governmentsaffirm and Germany accepts the affirm and Germany accepts the

responsibility of Germany and her allies responsibility of Germany and her allies for for causing all loss and damage to which the causing all loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and Allied and Associated Governments and their their nationals nationals have been subjected as a have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon consequence of the war imposed upon them them by the aggression of Germany and by the aggression of Germany and her allies.”her allies.”


Germany did not believe she was solely Germany did not believe she was solely responsible for the war nor did she responsible for the war nor did she believe that she should be blamed or held believe that she should be blamed or held totally accountable for it.totally accountable for it.

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles The German soldier sent to sign the Treaty refused The German soldier sent to sign the Treaty refused

saying “To say such a thing would be a lie.”saying “To say such a thing would be a lie.”

““May the hand wither that signs this treaty”May the hand wither that signs this treaty”Frederick Schneidemann, German Chancellor (June Frederick Schneidemann, German Chancellor (June 1919)—He resigned rather than agree to the 1919)—He resigned rather than agree to the Treaty.Treaty.

““Those who sign this treaty will sign the death Those who sign this treaty will sign the death sentence of many millions of German men, sentence of many millions of German men, women, and children.”women, and children.”

Count Brockdorff-Rantzau (May 1919)Count Brockdorff-Rantzau (May 1919)

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles Since Article 231 said the war was

Germany’s fault, she was held responsible for all war damages.

Germany was ordered to pay reparations, the bulk going to France and Belgium to pay for the extensive damage done to those countries.

The figure was not set at Versailles; it was to be determined later by the Allies (it would take two years).


The Germans were told to write a The Germans were told to write a blank check to be cashed by the Allies blank check to be cashed by the Allies whenever they wanted. whenever they wanted.

In 1921, the total sum was put at 132 In 1921, the total sum was put at 132 billion marks (in gold) equal to about billion marks (in gold) equal to about $$33 billion 33 billion in 1921 dollars…(equal to in 1921 dollars…(equal to $2.7 trillion today), an enormous $2.7 trillion today), an enormous amount that was well beyond amount that was well beyond Germany’s ability to pay.Germany’s ability to pay.


The “new” German army was limited to The “new” German army was limited to 100,000 men (compared to the 100,000 men (compared to the 11,000,000 that had been mobilized for 11,000,000 that had been mobilized for the war).the war).

The German navy was to be scuttled, The German navy was to be scuttled, subs turned over to the Allies, and the subs turned over to the Allies, and the air corps dissolved.air corps dissolved.

Germany was to deliver a large amount Germany was to deliver a large amount of free coal to Belgium and France of free coal to Belgium and France every year.every year.


Germany had to give up all colonies. France recovered the Alsace and Lorraine. If Germany didn’t follow any of the terms,

the Allies (mainly France) threatened to occupy Germany’s Ruhr Valley—the center of Germany’s industry and mining.

This threat prompted Germany to make its first payment in 1921.

The Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles The Treaty also called for the trial of the

former Kaiser. This never happened because the Dutch refused to hand him over.

Germany’s punishment was so severe it created the environment that enabled Hitler and the Nazis to come to power a few years later.

Germany became isolated and an outcast in international politics. She was distrusted by the Allies. For the next decade, Germany’s role in international affairs was minor.

American Reaction to the Treaty American Reaction to the Treaty of Versaillesof Versailles

European Reaction European Reaction Huge crowds cheered Huge crowds cheered

Woodrow Wilson when Woodrow Wilson when he arrived in France in he arrived in France in December 1918. After December 1918. After years of suffering, years of suffering, Europeans saw Wilson Europeans saw Wilson as a symbol of hope. as a symbol of hope. He was the He was the “deliverer,” the man “deliverer,” the man who promised to who promised to make the world “safe make the world “safe for democracy.”for democracy.”

The League of Nations The League of Nations Wilson’s greatest achievement at Wilson’s greatest achievement at

Versailles was the inclusion of the Versailles was the inclusion of the League of NationsLeague of Nations in the Treaty. in the Treaty.

The League of Nations would include The League of Nations would include representatives from the democratic representatives from the democratic nations. It began in 1921 with 42 states.nations. It began in 1921 with 42 states.

The League of NationsThe League of Nations The League would promote peace by The League would promote peace by

working cooperatively to settle working cooperatively to settle disputes and to reduce armaments disputes and to reduce armaments (the principle of (the principle of collective securitycollective security).).

Collective security was supposed to Collective security was supposed to replace the divisive secrecy of replace the divisive secrecy of prewar power politics.prewar power politics.

The League of NationsThe League of Nations

The League would have five The League would have five permanent members: Britain, France, permanent members: Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States Italy, Japan, and the United States (who is noticeably absent?).(who is noticeably absent?).

Any independent nation was allowed Any independent nation was allowed to join, but the former Central Powers to join, but the former Central Powers nations could not become members nations could not become members for several years.for several years.

The League of NationsThe League of Nations By WWII, 63 countries had joined the By WWII, 63 countries had joined the

League.League. Member nations could present Member nations could present

disagreements to the Permanent Court of disagreements to the Permanent Court of International Justice, or World Court.International Justice, or World Court.


If a member state didn’t obey the court’s If a member state didn’t obey the court’s judgment, it could face economic or judgment, it could face economic or political sanctions (not military ones).political sanctions (not military ones).

If a non-member state was an aggressor, If a non-member state was an aggressor, and negotiations failed, members would and negotiations failed, members would act collectively.act collectively.


Members would join together to fight Members would join together to fight the aggressor. Wilson said the the aggressor. Wilson said the League “is definitely a guarantee of League “is definitely a guarantee of peace.”peace.”

Wilson was sure the League would Wilson was sure the League would prevent future wars by allowing prevent future wars by allowing nations to talk over and arbitrate nations to talk over and arbitrate their problems rather than resorting their problems rather than resorting to warfare.to warfare.

The League of NationsThe League of Nations The League of Nations was charged The League of Nations was charged

with administering the territories of with administering the territories of the former Ottoman Empire through a the former Ottoman Empire through a ““mandate systemmandate system.”.”

In other words, the “advanced In other words, the “advanced nations” (Britain and France) would nations” (Britain and France) would govern over territories “not yet able to govern over territories “not yet able to stand by themselves under the stand by themselves under the strenuous conditions of the modern strenuous conditions of the modern world.”world.”


Mandates Mandates included Syria included Syria and Lebanon to and Lebanon to France, and Iraq, France, and Iraq, Kuwait, Kuwait, Palestine, and Palestine, and Trans-Jordan to Trans-Jordan to Britain.Britain.

American Reaction American Reaction When Wilson returned to When Wilson returned to

Washington, he had to persuade Washington, he had to persuade the Senate to approve the the Senate to approve the Treaty. Treaty.

Even though most Americans Even though most Americans favored it, a vocal minority favored it, a vocal minority opposed it.opposed it.

Many Senate Republicans Many Senate Republicans wanted the nation to revert to wanted the nation to revert to isolationism.isolationism.

Senate Republicans were led by Senate Republicans were led by Henry Cabot LodgeHenry Cabot Lodge

(R-Mass. Chairman of the (R-Mass. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Senate Foreign Relations Committee).Committee).

American ReactionAmerican Reaction Senator Lodge, and other Senator Lodge, and other

high ranking Republicans, high ranking Republicans, were furious that Wilson were furious that Wilson hadn’t made them a part hadn’t made them a part of the American of the American delegation to Versailles. delegation to Versailles. The Republicans The Republicans controlled the House and controlled the House and Senate.Senate.

Feeling slighted, their Feeling slighted, their egos demanded political egos demanded political retribution. retribution.

American ReactionAmerican Reaction Wilson thought the League stood on its Wilson thought the League stood on its

own merits. own merits. Fourteen Republicans (nicknamed the Fourteen Republicans (nicknamed the

irreconcilablesirreconcilables) rejected the Treaty ) rejected the Treaty outright. outright.

The remaining Republican senators were The remaining Republican senators were divided between those who wanted small divided between those who wanted small changes (the changes (the mild reservationistsmild reservationists) and ) and those who wanted drastic changes (the those who wanted drastic changes (the strong reservationistsstrong reservationists).).

American ReactionAmerican Reaction

Especially troubling to senators was Especially troubling to senators was Article 10Article 10 of the treaty, which declared of the treaty, which declared members of the League were to protect members of the League were to protect the independence or territory of any the independence or territory of any other threatened member. other threatened member.

Senator Lodge argued that Senator Lodge argued that Article 10Article 10 could involve the United States in future could involve the United States in future European wars. European wars.


Lodge, and several others, believed Lodge, and several others, believed that membership in the League that membership in the League conflicted with Congress’s conflicted with Congress’s constitutional power to declare war.constitutional power to declare war.

Lodge wanted changes that would Lodge wanted changes that would insure the United States remained insure the United States remained independent of the League. independent of the League.

He also wanted Congress to have the He also wanted Congress to have the power to decide whether the United power to decide whether the United States would follow League policy.States would follow League policy.


President Wilson believed Lodge’s changes President Wilson believed Lodge’s changes would weaken the League so he refused to would weaken the League so he refused to compromise.compromise.

So the President took his case to the American So the President took his case to the American people. Starting in September 1919, Wilson people. Starting in September 1919, Wilson made 37 speeches in 29 cities. He urged made 37 speeches in 29 cities. He urged Americans to let their senators know they Americans to let their senators know they supported the Treaty and the League of supported the Treaty and the League of NationsNations. .

American ReactionAmerican Reaction Wilson’s pace exhausted an already Wilson’s pace exhausted an already

physically weak man. He suffered a stroke physically weak man. He suffered a stroke in Colorado and was rushed back to in Colorado and was rushed back to Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.

In November 1919 the Senate rejected the In November 1919 the Senate rejected the Versailles Treaty. Wilson mourned “It is Versailles Treaty. Wilson mourned “It is dead and every morning I put flowers on its dead and every morning I put flowers on its grave.”grave.”


The United States The United States never never did join the League did join the League of Nations. of Nations.

Germany (still the most powerful country on Germany (still the most powerful country on the continent) and Russia were initially the continent) and Russia were initially excluded from membership.excluded from membership.

The absence of these three important The absence of these three important powers meant powers meant the League was never very the League was never very effective effective in the role of global peacekeeper. in the role of global peacekeeper.

Wilson’s dream of a world “made safe for Wilson’s dream of a world “made safe for democracy” would have to waitdemocracy” would have to wait..

The War “Officially” EndsThe War “Officially” Ends

It wasn’t until November 8, It wasn’t until November 8, 1921, nearly three years 1921, nearly three years after the Armistice, that the after the Armistice, that the United States declared an United States declared an official end to the war.official end to the war.

President Warren G. President Warren G. Harding stated:Harding stated:

“…“…let us give our let us give our influence…to put man-kind influence…to put man-kind on a higher plain…with war on a higher plain…with war barred from the stage of barred from the stage of righteous civilization.”righteous civilization.”

the armenian genocide traditionally, the ottomans had let minorities live in their own communities...

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