Treaty+of+Versailles

The Great War finally ended on November 11, 1918. Canadians believed that four years of sacrifice and loss were finally over. They hoped that the troubles of the Great War might all disappear at once, but serious problems were still to come in the months ahead. Many returning soldiers faced high prices and either low wages or unemployment. Many women who had been employed were expected to give up their jobs to the returning men. Labour unrest, issues of prejudice, and an epidemic - Canadians faced all these problems after the war.

The Treaty of Versailles

The world needed lasting peace. The important negotiations were held in Versailles, France, not far from Paris, in 1919. They were led by British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and presidents Georges Clemenceau of France and Woodrow Wilson of the United States. Canada and some other former British colonies successfully argued their right to participate and sign the treaty themselves. There were two Canadian; representatives, including Prime Minister Borden, in the negotiations at Versailles. Despite the heroic war efforts of its people, Newfoundland was not permitted to join other former colonies at the talks.

After the negotiations were completed, Borden again showed the world Canada's growing independence. He insisted that the Canadian Parliament must debate and approve the treaty before King George could sign it for the British Empire.

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Figure 2-14 Armistice Day (1919) by George Reid. What mood or feeling is shown by this painting? BEGIN PRODUCER'S NOTE: Image: omitted. END PRODUCER'S NOTE. END IMAGE CAPTION.

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Figure 2-15 Sir Edward Morris, prime minister of Newfoundland, had participated in the Imperial War Cabinet. However, the island was not allowed to join in the Paris Peace talks. Why were Newfoundlanders bitter about this? BEGIN PRODUCER'S NOTE: Photo: Sir Edward Morris. Photo: omitted. END PRODUCER'S NOTE. END PHOTO CAPTION.

Reactions to the Treaty of Versailles

German representatives were shocked by the treaty, and at first refused to sign it. But an Allied threat to resume the war, and the threat of keeping a naval blockade on all materials entering Germany, soon changed their minds.

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Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden admitted that the Treaty of Versailles was harsh, but he believed that it should be harsh. Britain's general view was the same.

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American President Woodrow Wilson argued for a policy of forgiveness toward the defeated nations. But the Americans had joined the war only in its late stages, which weakened his position.

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French negotiators wanted to be sure that Germany would never again be a threat-most of the fighting and destruction had taken place in France. The French negotiators wanted a tougher treaty than they got.

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Experience History Website

For links to sites about the Armistice and the Treaty of Versailles

Some Terms of the Treaty of Versailles

- The western corner of Germany, called the Rhineland, was to be occupied by Allied troops for 10 years.

- Germany's army and navy were strictly reduced, and no air force was permitted.

- Germany had to sign a War Guilt Clause, admitting that they caused the war.

- Germany had to pay reparations, or damages, of about $30 billion to the Allies.

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- New boundaries would shrink Germany and break up Austria-Hungary.

- A League of Nations was to be formed to help keep world peace.

Ferdinand Foch, the French General-in-Chief of the Allied Armies, was unhappy with the Treaty. He said, "This is not a peace treaty; it is an armistice of 20 years." He was to be proven right. Adolf Hitler started World War II just 20 years and one month later.

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Figure 2-16 Europe in 1922, after the Treaty of Versailles. Compare these boundaries with those shown on the map on page 8. BEGIN PRODUCER'S NOTE: Map of Europe in 1922. Map: omitted. END PRODUCER'S NOTE. END MAP CAPTION.

Checkpoint

19. How did the peace talks and treaty show Canada's growing independence? What effects do you think they would have on Newfoundland's future? Why do you think Borden insisted on Canada's involvement?

20. Select two terms from the Treaty that you think would have made the German delegates refuse to sign. Explain your choices.

21. Should a defeated enemy be forgiven or punished? In your opinion, who had the most justified view of the Treaty: Wilson, Borden, or Foch?

Who were punished the most? The German people or the rulers and elite who decided to bring Germany to war?