World War 1
World War 1, also known as the Great War, began July 28, 1914 and not until November 11, 1918 did the fighting stop. It wasn't until June 28, 1919 that World War 1 officially ended. It changed the face of modern welfare, becoming one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Not only that, it also set the stage for another world war just 20 years later. The land, air, and sea conflict was so terrible, it left around 21 million wounded, and over 8 million military personnel and 6.6 million civilians dead.
What were the 4 main causes of WW1?
Militarism
Militarism is a belief that a nation should develop, maintain, and use a strong military to expand its interests. It was one of the main causes of WW1 as it denoted a rise in military expenditure, an increase in military and naval forces, more influence of the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. There were also naval and arms racing going on as each country felt the need to build up and increase the size of their army. Increasing military strength took place because a nation felt threatened by other countries building up their military and/or because they were planning to attack, resulting in a domino effect. Furthermore, militarism began to have a greater influence on public policy and this increase in militarism helped to push the countries involved, into war.
Alliances (Alliance System)
Alliances showed a great dent in WW1. An alliance is an agreement establishing an association between groups or an organization of people involved in a pact or treaty. These treaties meant that if one country was attacked, the allied countries of this country were bound to defend them. Alliances can be to your advantage and also to your disadvantage at the same time. An alliance can help defend you if you are being attacked on, but at the same time, can increase the problem and cause more issues by bringing in more countries that will get involved to defend their alliances. The issue could keep increasing depending on how many different countries are allied with one another. This is an example of the alliance system. In addition, the biggest problem for some nations is that they didn't have any allies and feared of getting taken over. This forced them to find someone to help them when needed. Secret alliances also took place which played an important role in gaining more power.
Imperialism
Imperialism is a policy of extending your rule over foreign countries. It represents the actions used by one nation to have control over weaker nations, usually seeking for materials and markets. These nations are also seeking to increase its size, either by forcing or influencing other countries to submit to their rule. Imperialism was one of the most significant causes of World War 1. Before WW1, several European countries had made competing imperialistic claims in Africa and parts of Asia, making them points of argument. Because of the raw materials these areas could provide, tensions around which country had the right to utilize these areas ran high. The increasing competition and desire for greater empires led to an increase in confrontation that helped push the world into WW1.
Nationalism
Nationalism is the belief that your country is superior to all the others, without question or doubt. It is feelings of intense loyalty or patriotism to one's country or ethnic group. Nationalism was a great cause of WW1 because of countries being greedy and not negotiating. In fact, a lot of causes all linked back to countries all wanting to be better than each other. The use of Nationalism gave nations false hope but also aggressiveness to win the war, even if they weren't able to win due to their strength and understanding of plans and leaders.
What event started WW1?
Assassination
The aforementioned items above, Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism and Nationalism, were already causing enough problems between countries. It is kind of like a time bomb that was going to explode any moment, and it was just waiting for the spark. Nevertheless, the spark that triggered World War 1, was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His murder catapulted into a war across Europe that involved 30 nations and 65 million soldiers. His assassination was done by a Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip who shot Ferdinand and his wife, in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Princip committed this crime as a protest to Austria-Hungary having control over the Serbia region. Serbia wanted to take over Bosnia but before they had the chance to, Austria-Hungary decided to declare war on them. Therefore Russia came in and began to mobilize to defend its alliance with Serbia, however, Germany, Austria-Hungary's alliance, declared war on Russia. Thus began the expansion of the war to include all those involved in the mutual defense alliances.
Central Powers vs Allied Powers
Central Powers:
Advantages:
Allied Powers:
Advantages:
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greater overall demographic, industrial, and military resources
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had easier access to the oceans for trade
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bigger population
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more army divisions available for mobilization
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more modern battleships
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had control of the oceans
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location of countries (surrounded central powers regions)
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Britain's navy- made getting food/raw materials from around the world easier and gave them the ability to blockade central powers
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A strong German army
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Territory location- bordered each other, helped with easy communication and rapid troop movement
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Russia has problems at home
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Russia was isolated
Disadvantages:
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Surrounded by their rivalries- affected war strategy (also could be attacked from many different sides)
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Having to fight on two fronts
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Short on food and supplies
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Less soldiers
Disadvantages:
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Russia was isolated
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A strong German army
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Possible disagreement on action
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Russia not yet industrialized
Central Powers:
During the conflict, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire were all part of a wartime military alliance that was called the Central Powers. The name referred to the geographical location of the two original members of the alliance, Germany and Austria-Hungary, in central Europe. The geographical position of the German and Austro-Hungarian empires also gave the central powers a very important strategic advantage over the Allies they were fighting. It was much easier for the Germans and Austro-Hungarians to move troops, equipment and supplies from one battle to another because they could do much of this on their domestic railway networks. The military term for this strategic advantage is called "operating on interior lines."
Leaders:
German Empire (Germany)
Kaiser Wilhelm II- Wilhelm II was the last Kaiser emperor of the German empire who was related to both the King of England and the Tsar of Russia. His policies were largely the cause of WW1, and he eventually lost the support of the army and held little power by the end of the war.
Austro-Hungarian Empire
(Austria-Hungary)
Emperor Franz Joseph- Franz Joseph ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire for 68 years and when the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand took place by a Serbian nationalist, he declared war on Serbia beginning WW1. However, he died during the war in 1916 and was succeeded by Charles I.
Ottoman Empire (Muslim Empire)
Sultan Mehmed V- Mehmed V was SUltan of the Ottoman Empire during World War 1, and he declared war on the Allies in 1914. Nevertheless, he died just before the end of the war in 1918.
Bulgaria
Tsar Ferdinand I- Ferdinand I was Tsar of Bulgaria during World War 1, but at the end of the war, he gave up his throne to his son Boris III.
Allied Powers:
The Allied Powers were largely formed as a defense against the aggression of Germany and the Central Powers. The main countries of the allied powers included France, Great Britain, Russia, Italy and the United States. However, there were many countries involved on the allied powers side like Japan, Belgium, Brazil, Greece, Romania, Montenegro, and Serbia. Although the United States is mentioned as one of the main countries involved on the allied side, it remained neutral from 1914-1917, 3 years into the war. In addition, this side was also known as the Entente Powers because they began as an alliance between France, Great Britain, and Russia called the Triple Entente.
Fun Facts: Did you know that the Central Powers mobilized around 25 million soldiers and around 3.1 million were killed in action and another 8.4 million were left wounded. On the other hand, it is estimated that about 42 million military personnel were mobilized by the Allies during the war, and around 5.5 million were killed in action and about another 13 million were left wounded.
Leaders:
France
Georges Clemenceau- Clemenceau was Prime Minister of France from 1917 to 1920 towards the end of World War 1, when Raymond Poincare, former president during WW1 and later prime minister, asked Clemenceau to form a government. Poincare believed that Clemenceau was the best-qualified man to serve as prime minister and lead the nation. His nickname was "The Tiger" as his leadership helped hold France together during the most difficult times of the war. He also represented the French at peace talks and advocated for harsh punishment for Germany. Charles de Gaulle rose from French soldier in WW1, but made more accomplishments and his work stood out more in WW2.
Russian Empire (Russia)
Tsar Nicholas II- Nicholas was the last emperor of Russia and his wife, Alexandra, was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He was also the first cousin to King George V of England and second cousin to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Nicholas II was leader of Russia at the start of the war, who entered the war in defense of Serbia. However, the war effort was disastrous in the eyes of the Russian people and the Russian Revolution occured in 1917, resulting in him being removed from power and later executed.
Did you know?
Did you know that the term figurehead refers to someone who appears to be in charge, but who really holds very little influence.
Italy
Vittorio Orlando- Orlando was prime minister of Italy who led Italy in the concluding years of World War 1. In 1915, after the Secret Treaty of London, Italy had declared war on Germany hoping to gain land after winning the war. In the treaty, France and Britain had agreed that Italy would be given land at the end of the war, so when Orlando arrived at Versailles, he was expecting to obtain the land promised. However, the outcome wasn't what they expected, and they didn't get as much land as they wanted causing Italy to be unhappy. This led to inflation, employment, and social unrest. In addition, Orlando also wanted to make Germany pay for all of the damage that France had suffered during the four years of fighting.
British Empire (Great Britain)
King George V (on the left) and David Llyod George (on the right)- King of Britain during the war, George V was a figurehead with little power, but often visited the front to inspire the British troops. During the first two years of WW1, H.H. Asquith led Britain as Prime Minister, but them came along Llyod George who took over. Llyod George, during much of the war, was an advocate of Britain entering WW1. He also was able to keep the country together during the course of the war.
United States
Woodrow Wilson- President Woodrow Wilson was re-elected, on the platform that he kept America neutral and out of the war. He opposed war, and believed that the key aim was to ensure peace, not only for the U.S. but across the world. However, he was given little choice and declared war on Germany in 1917. After the war, Wilson advocated less harsh terms on Germany, knowing that a healthy German economy would be important for all of Europe.
Why did the US remain neutral from 1914-1917?
From 1914-1917, 3 years into the war, the United States remained neutral. They did not take a side or get involved in the war, as they knew it would impact them greatly. One of the many reasons why the U.S. remained neutral was because they didn't want to lose the ability of being able to trade with both sides. By trading with both sides, it will allow them to grow or expand by selling weapons and supplies that these people needed while fighting during the war. The United States aimed to protect shipping and trading rights by staying neutral, as they assumed that their own economy would suffer if they joined a side, most likely result in them being cut off from the other. They feared that everything would get interfered and that it would greatly hurt their economy. The United States also stayed neutral at the beginning of WW1 because they wanted to save soldiers and civilians lives. If the U.S. did not send any soldiers to fight, they wouldn't die. In addition to saving lives, the U.S. knew that if they weren't fighting on either side, essentially they would have no enemies that would want to attack them. This is important as it prevents the United States from losing any power or territory. Furthermore, wars cost a lot of money and by not getting involved in the war, the U.S. was able to save a lot of money and supplies. In the event that the United States wants to join the war, this money and supplies would greatly impact the outcome of the war. Lastly, the United States initially stayed neutral and out of World War 1 because of their leader, President Woodrow Wilson. When war broke out in 1914, Wilson declared that the U.S. would follow a strict policy of neutrality. He opposed war, and believed that the key aim was to ensure peace, not only for the U.S. but across the world.
U.S. Enters into World War 1
In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before a joint session of Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany and to join the Allied Powers. Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, where the Germans used U-boats to bomb and attack US ships that carried passengers and supplies became the primary motivation behind Wilson's decision to lead the United States into World War 1. During a wartime conference, representatives from the German Navy convinced Kaiser Wilhelm II that a resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare could help defeat Great Britain. However, as some time went on, German policymakers argued with this decision as they knew that if Germany did resume these attacks, they believed that the US would join the allied powers leading to the defeat of Germany. Despite these warnings, the German government decided to resume unrestricted submarine attacks on all allied and neutral shipping without warning. Following this, Wilson got new s of this event of resumption, and was stunned. Nevertheless, German submarines targeted and sank several US ships, resulting in the deaths of numerous US seamen and citizens. While Wilson weighed his options regarding the submarine issue, he also had to address the question of Germany's attempts to cement a secret alliance with Mexico. Thanks to Britain, their naval intelligence was able to intercept and decrypt a telegram sent by German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman, to the German Ambassador in Mexico City. The telegram, also known as the Zimmerman Telegram, was a note proposing a Mexican-German alliance in the case of war between the united States and Germany. Germany was seeking an alliance with Mexico where they would join to go against the United States if the US entered the war. If victorious in the conflict, Germany promised the Mexican government that they would help Mexico recover territory it had ceded to the United States following the Mexican-American War. In addition, Zimmerman instructed the ambassador to offer significant financial aid to Mexico if they agreed to enter any future US-Germany conflict as a German ally. The purpose of the proposition of an alliance between Germany and Mexico was aimed to destabilizing the United States, and, consequently preventing American attention from being able to focus on the conflict raging across the Atlantic. Following Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, the British decided to use the note to help sway US official and public opinion of joining the war. The continued attacks on U.S. merchant and passenger ships, and the Zimmerman Telegram, implied threat of a German attack on the United States that swayed US public opinion. Learning of the telegram, it increased concerns by the US about Germany's intentions and led to declaration of war. The Zimmerman Telegram was significant to the history of World War 1 as if forced President Woodrow Wilson to reverse his initial position on American involvement in the European conflict and commit the United States to the war against Germany by joining the allied powers. Lastly, the US needed to join the war in 1917 because of the Russian Revolution. The war going on in Russia at the time led to Russia's withdrawal from the war and caused a pull on the allies side. Nevertheless, this not only encouraged but it forced Americans to enter the war on the allies side to take Russia's place because they knew that Germany would win otherwise.
New weapons
Humans proved themselves remarkably ingenuous and adaptable when it came to finding new ways to wound and kill during World War 1. In the four years of the war, many new weapons were developed that were used to produce millions of casualties. These weapons helped tremendously not only for combat but for strategy and prevented the stalemate of trench warfare.
Grenades
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Weapon can be used without exposing yourself
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Grenades could be thrown by hand or fired from a Rifle Grenade
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Could kill the enemy underground or behind cover
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Grenades forced the enemy into the open, providing targets for gun fire
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Crucial in flushing the enemy out of the trenches
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Could disable tanks
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Effective in stopping the stalemate of trench warfare
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Armed vehicles that provided a mobile shield for soldiers to travel inside of, or to run behind
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Had mounted machine guns and cannons
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Very slow
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Had very limited visibility making men inside very vulnerable
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Increased mobility on the Western Front
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Broke the stalemate of trench warfare
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Without tanks, no land would be lost or gained
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Fired several hundred bullets per minute
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Devastating, deadly weapon
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Could fire ammunition automatically
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Could wipe out waves of attackers thus making it difficult to advance
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Became a force of defense
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Destructive power of machine guns forced soldiers to seek cover on the battlefield and dig in for protection
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Caused soldiers to be hesitant to leave trenches knowing that they would be killed instantly by a machine gun
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Very heavy weapon requiring small teams of soldiers in order to fully operate
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Dominate battlefield weapon that was more effective playing defense
Tanks
Machine Guns
World War 1 introduced chemical weapons and the development of new deadly gases to warfare. These gases used were considered a powerful weapon as it greatly impacted soldiers not only in battle but left many of them with health problems later in life. Germany first used chlorine gas to poison unsuspecting Allied troops, and later, a more dangerous gas called mustard gas was developed and used by both sides. Chlorine was so powerful, in fact many countries feared that the introduction of poisonous gas was a war-winning weapon. It was also believed that because chlorine gas was so intense, that it would break the trench stalemate across Europe and win the war immediately. Victims of chlorine attacks actually drowned on land due to your body's reaction. Mustard gas attacked the skin and blinded its victims, defeating the existing gas masks and respirations that had worked to protect soldiers before. There were about one million gas casualties to all armies during WW1 and many soldiers later in their lives suffered from chemically induced illnesses and disabilities. Effective gas masks and other precautions developed helped to stop or at least slow the negative effects of the chemical warfare. However, when gas attacks happened unexpectedly, soldiers would frantically react trying to find and get on their masks successfully often resulting in problems and casualties. In addition, gases like mustard gas would be so dominate that it could defeat these masks making them useless. Chemical warfare and the use of poisonous gas was so impactful to us because it turns the very air we breathe, into a weapon. In fact, gas has always been a far more effective psychological weapon that a physical one. The psychological damage from "gas fright" and the exposure of large numbers of soldiers, munitions workers, and civilians to chemical agents proved to have significant public health consequences. Understanding the origins of chemical warfare during World War 1 and its emergence during the conflict as a physical and psychological threat to both military and civilians populations, can provide historical insight into possible contemporary medical responses to this enduring technologically pervasive threat. Gases have killed far fewer people in history than bullets, but it retains a horror unmatched by almost any other weapon.
Impact of Chemical Warfare
Why did trench warfare require the invention of new weapons during WW1?
Much of the war along the western front was fought using trench warfare. Both the Allied and Central Powers dug long lines of trenches that helped to protect the soldiers from gunfire and artillery. The area between enemy trenches was called "no man's land." Trench warfare caused a stalemate between the two sides and resulting in neither side gaining or losing ground. At this point, more soldiers were dying due to the horrible conditions in the trenches. This deadlock needed to end, and so trench warfare required the invention of new and more effective weapons. By developing new weapons and technology during WW1, it allowed fighting to actually begin. These new weapons were very important and effective as they completed the task of pushing the enemies out of the trenches, breaking the deadlock. The war was able to progress because more soldiers were now being killed. If it weren't for the introduction of new weapons, there would most likely be no progression on gaining land but instead a progression of the number of deaths due to disease or any other problems from living in the trenches for long periods of time. The invention of new weapons during WW1 was necessary during trench warfare.
What could people at home in the U.S. do to help win WW1?
Buy War Bonds
Grow a garden
During WW1, people at home in the U.S. were encouraged to partake in many actions that would help with the war effort without having to fight. Americans were asked to help on the home-front to win the war by enlisting or supporting relatives who were fighting or could buy war bonds from the government to help finance the war. Wars cost a lot of money and can destroy the economy so with that in mind, this would greatly help. By giving a loan to the government, it could help pay for the war and prevent economic ruin. Americans were also asked to help the food administration by rationing certain foods in ways such as Meatless Mondays and Wheat-less Wednesdays. The less that they ate of these important foods, the more it benefits the soldiers who are out fighting as foods like meat and bread provide you will fuel. In fact, many people could sign a paper saying that they promise to conserve food for the soldiers by eating less and substituting the important foods with other equivalent options. For example, you may substitute meat with other protein foods like cheese and substitute wheat with corn, or corn meal. As many would say, "Food is a weapon" meaning to eat less and be wise about food consumptions as it was an advantage when fighting in a war. In fact, many Americans chose to grow their own food by growing a garden. This helped to save food from stores and meant that you wouldn't have to worry as much about consuming less because you would now have your own supply in which you were responsible for. However, a garden would not only help you but could also help the soldiers if you chose to send some extra food to the soldiers. People living in the U.S. could also help with the war effort by supporting the fuel administration. This could be done by enforcing Heatless Mondays and following Daylight Saving Time. It was also asked to go become a coal miner and mine coal as it would greatly impact the fuel supply. In addition, many people focused on saving coal in which they could practice turning off lights that didn't need to be on. Another action that could be done to help the war was people willing to work six days a week allowing for more time to get all this production done. Women were expected to work instead of staying home and others switching from their regular jobs, worked in a wartime industry. Any extra work or jobs that could be done to help the war effort, were done, including volunteering skills or time to help the nation or soldiers. All in all, Americans were encouraged to help in a variety of ways that all leave a huge impact on the outcome of the war. By providing loyalty, compassion, and happiness to keep morals up, it contributed to the dedication to keep helping our soldiers and the nation get through the war. Although Americans had to sacrifice some things on the home-front and work extra hard, they did not have to fight and suffer the way that the soldiers did. Instead these actions encouraged at home not only helped the people by not having to go fight, but it also helped to keep the soldiers supplied with materials and supplies that they could use to win the war.
Go Mine Coal
Substitute certain foods
Knit for soldiers
Motivation
Conserve food
Who won World War 1?
After four years of combat and the deaths of about 8.5 million soldiers as a result of battle wounds or disease, the Allies were victorious. A number of factors can be cited to explain the victory of the Allied Powers in World War 1. They had a huge advantage in population size, superior mobilization of men and materials and the decisive entry of the United States into the war in 1917. However, the main reason for the Allied Powers success was undoubtedly the vast superiority they enjoyed, in terms of quality and quantity of production, both military and non-military. At the breakout of the conflict, the Allies had more than five times the population of their enemies, nearly twelve times the amount of territory, and almost three times the output of the Central Powers. As the war was going on, the Central Powers not only ran out of munitions, but long before that they experienced severe food shortages resulting in desperate situations that brought them down.
Furthermore, the allied powers won WW1 simply due to outlasting their enemies. The Allies manages to stop German advance at the beginning of the war and forced Germany to fight a two front war for most of the conflict. The battle on the fronts was bled by a long, grinding, attrition style of trench warfare that took millions of men. By doing this, the allies were able to hold the Germans in check until the U.S. was persuaded to join the war. When the United States entered the war in 1917 on the Allied Powers side, they brought fresh troops and supplies giving the allies a huge advantage. There was no way Germany and its allies could have competed long term with America against them.
The Armistice of November 1918
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice was signed that ended fighting on land, sea and air in World War I between the Allies and their last remaining opponent, Germany. Germany bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, surrenders. However, this armistice did not formally end the war rather it was just an agreement between both sides to stop fighting. This day was now known as Armistice Day, dedicated to promoting world peace. But after the peace fell apart, the U.S. still continued to celebrate it and later changed this day to be called Veterans Day, in which we honor American soldiers.
Map of Europe Before and After WW1
Before (1914)
After (1919)
At the beginning of World War 1 in 1914, the map of Europe looked drastically different than the one after the war, in 1919. World War 1 redrew the world map and reshaped many borders in Europe. After four years of carnage and more than 16 million deaths, three empires that had lasted for centuries- Austro-Hungarian, Russian, and the Ottoman- gradually ceased to exist and many new nations emerged. The collapse of the Russian Empire created Poland, the Baltics, and Finland. The Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved into Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Turkey was established. In addition, the German Empire became Germany, however, Germany lost substantial territory outside Europe.
The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles, signed June 28, 1919 at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, officially ended World War 1. The treaty dealt specifically with Germany, who in the Allied Powers' minds, though was responsible for the war and who caused all the damage and losses in WW1. The Treaty of Versailles was dominated by the "big three," which included David Llyod George representing Britain, georges Clemenceau representing France, and Woodrow Wilson representing the USA. However, as expected, Germany was not invited to France for the treaty of Versailles meetings. The "Big Three" all wanted different things for Germany as they each reflected on how their countries were impacted and damaged from the war. Britain and France had both fought a long, bitter war against Germany and suffered tremendous casualties, while also facing serious economic problems because of the war's cost. The U.S. only fought for a year of the war and didn't experience and suffer the way that France and Britain had. This resulted in disagreements on how harshly Germany was to be punished. Nevertheless, the treaty was the product of conflict between the Allied victors.
The United States hoped to achieve, in Wilson's words, "peace without victory." He desired to create a system that would keep future wars from happening, as well as promoting a US vision of democracy and peace. He believed that best way to accomplish this goal was through the creation of an international organization called the League of Nations. The US wanted to prevent another world war by creating the league of nations based on Wilson’s 14 points to ensure Germany would not be destroyed and that Germany should not be blamed for the war. Meanwhile, France and other allied nations wanted just compensation for the physical, moral, and economic devastation of the war. They wanted Germany to pay huge reparations to repair for the damage and losses caused, and they also wanted Germany to suffer from harsh punishments such as no more army or navy for them and to return land to France. On the other hand, Britain didn't seem as rough, as they hoped to put Germany back on its economic feet. Instead, they wanted Germany to give up its colonies and territories allowing for Great Britain to take them over. Not only that, but both France and Great Britain also wanted Germany to accept the blame for causing the war.
The Result:
Given the contradictory aims of reparations and future stability, statesman found themselves in a terrible bond. The Allied nations ultimately rejected the idea of peace without victory, and instead in favor of making Germany pay for causing the war (in their minds) and for perpetuating and escalating the conflict for four long years. The treaty forced Germany to surrender colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific; cede territory to other nations like France and Britain; reduce the size of its military; pay huge war reparations to the allied countries' and accept guilt for the war. All in all, Germany was greatly impacted by the Treaty of Versailles.
Territorial Terms:
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Germany returns Alsace Lorraine to France
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Germany is forbidden to unite with Austria lands in East Germany
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The Saar, which had rich coal fields, was given to France for 15 years
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All German colonies were taken and given to France and Britain
Military Terms:
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German army is restricted to only 100,000 men
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The German navy could now only have 6 battleships and no submarines
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No air force allowed for Germany
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The Rhineland must be demilitarized- German army can not go to this area
Financial/Economic Terms:
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Germany is forced to pay HUGE reparations
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Restricted Germany from joining the League of Nations
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Made Germany accept all the responsibility for causing all the damage all loss by the war
Woodrow Wilson's 14 Point Plan
The 14 Points (summarized)
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Open diplomacy without secret treaties
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Economic free trade on the seas during war and peace
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Equal trade conditions
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Decrease armaments among all nations
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Adjust colonial claims
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Evacuation of all Central Powers from Russia and allow it to define its own independence
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Belgium to be evacuated and restored
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Return of Alsace-Lorraine region and all French territories
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Readjust Italian borders
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Austria-Hungary to be provided an opportunity for self-determination
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Redraw the borders of the Balkan region creating Roumania, Serbia and Montenegro
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Creation of a Turkish state with guaranteed free trade in the Dardanelles
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Creation of an independent Polish state
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Creation of the League of Nations
**Eight of the points were aimed at resolving specific territorial issues among the countries involved in combat and securing borders and statehood. Five of the points covered general principles for a peaceful world.
On January 8, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson delivered his famous 14 Points speech, where he outlined his proposals for a post war peace settlement and a plan to end WW1 and secure world peace. Wilson wanted the war to end because after joining the war and fighting a little under two years, the US found how brutal and explosive the war was. They had spent $32 billion and lost over 116,000 men. Wilson's main reasons for the 14 Point Plan was to outline a strategy for ending the war, to propose a post-war world of peace and to prevent another war in the future.
Wilson's 14th Point- The League of Nations
14. A general association of nations must be formed under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.
During Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points speech given in January 1918, where he outlined his ideas for peace after the carnage of World War 1, in his 14th point, he proposed the founding of a "general association of nations." This point was the most influential point, said to mediate international disputes and foster cooperation between different nations in the hopes of preventing war on a large scale in the future. This organization eventually became known as the League of Nations. The League of Nations was a international diplomatic group developed after WW1 as a way to solve disputes between countries before they erupted into bloodshed and open warfare.
On November 19, 1919, the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles based primarily on objections to the League of Nations. If you signed the treaty, you would then be forced to join the League of Nations too, which many Senators had problems with. The irreconcilables feared that U.S. involvement in the League of Nations could draw us into another war or it would mean that American troops might be sent into Europe to settle European disputes. They didn't want to engage themselves in problems that weren't theirs mainly because they feared that those problems would become theirs that they have to solve, most likely causing more issues. This was also a risk to their troops as it sent soldiers there to solve uprisings. In addition to the treaty's rejection to be signed due to the League of Nations, members part of the Senate feared that the US would be giving up too much power and that the commitment to the League of Nations could take away US Congress' constitutional right to declare war and obligate them to military actions initiated by the League. They worried that other empires, in which they were against, would become too powerful and possibly take control over the US. Some members of the Senate, unlike the irreconcilables who opposed the treaty and League of Nations no matter what, created reservations that matched Wilson's 14 Points, however, they reduced the control the league would have over the US. Nevertheless, President Woodrow Wilson had failed to take senators’ objections to the agreement into consideration, leaving the Senate very unhappy. Wilson had not included them in the negotiations to the treaty and resulted in the Senate never ratifying the Treaty of Versailles and joining the League of Nations.