Treaty+of+Versailles

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace settlement signed at the end of World War I in the Versailles Palace near Paris. The three main politicians present were David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau, and Woodrow Wilson. The final signing of the treaty was held in the Hall of Mirrors.

David Lloyd George was a British politician who needed the support of the public to succeed. He knew if he was not harsh on Germany he would be voted out of office faster than he could say his name. The people often screamed "Make Germany Pay" so that is what he did at least in public. In private he believe that Germany would be the only country to stop communism. He believed Germany should be treated harshly but not as harsh as others would have liked. Unfortunately, to speak his mind about how he really felt would have lead to the end of his career. **
 * Britain's role in the Treaty

The Treaty of Versailles was seen as a punishment for Germany after World War I. Germany lost lots of territory and had a lot o f strict military restrictions so to not have anything like that happen again. The worst provision known as the 'war guilt' clause put all the blame for the war on Germany. This led to having Germany be the one to pay all the reparations to the Allies (33 billion dollars) over the next thirty years.
 * Treaty Effects on Germany**

What territory was taken away? Explain the strict military restrictions.

At the start of World War I, Italy was semi-neutral. Although on the side with the Triple Alliance, they never fought. That is until France and Great Britain asked them to in exchange for money and land. Italy then joined with the them and fought. When the war ended and the treaty was written, Italy was on the side with the 'winners'. She had done her part and expected to get recognition for it with a gain in land. Britain and France on the other hand saw Italy as once being allies with Germany and therefore hardly worthy of land. Italy got nearly nothing from the Treaty of Versailles, causing its people to become angry and upset with the government.
 * Italy and the Treaty**