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[[File:LLoyd's_News_Placard_announcing_Versailles_signing.jpg|thumbnail|175px250px|left|Lloyd's News reporting the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.]]{{MediaWiki:Kindleoasis}}__NOTOC__The delegates that crafted guns fell silent on the eleventh hour of the treaty that ended eleventh day of the First World War believed that they had brought eleventh month of 1918. Over four years of incredible destruction came to a lasting peace to Europesilent end. President Wilson believed that For the belligerent Central and Allied Powers, the war armistice brought uncertainty. The Kaiser had made much just been overthrown, and a new alliance of the world safe for democracy to spreadLiberals and Socialists announced a democratic regime at Weimar, Germany. The other Central Powers had collapsed in disarray and revolution. HoweverRussia, conflicting goalsout of the war in early 1918, was in the harsh terms midst of a deepening Civil War. Many of the treaty Allies were exhausted and Germany’s response to those terms would to the most destructive conflict in world history - World War Twodrained.

The guns fell silent on == What were the eleventh hour goals of the eleventh day Allies after World War I? ==[[File:Versailles_1919.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|Georges Clemenceau and Woodrow Wilson at the Formal Signing of the eleventh month of 1918Treaty. Over four years ]]The delegates of incredible destruction came the victorious powers met in Paris to a silent enddiscuss the terms of the peace, followed by the treaty's signing at the former French royal palace of Versailles. For Led by the belligerent Central and Allied Powers "Big Four," the armistice brought tremendous uncertaintyU.S. The Kaiser had just been overthrown , France, Italy, and a new alliance of Liberals and Socialists announced a democratic regime at WeimarGreat Britain. The other Central Powers Each had collapsed in disarray its own goals and revolutionvulnerabilities. RussiaWhile the U.S. President Wilson adhered to an idealistic view of collective responsibility and ethnic self-determination, out of the war in early 1918 France was driven largely by one thing: revenge. France sought to avenge its humiliating loss almost fifty years earlier in the midst of Franco-Prussian War that resulted in a deepening Civil War. Many of the Allies were exhausted and drainedunited Germany.

==Deliberations==[[File:Versailles_1919This idea of revanchism had consumed generations of French policy, and a clear opportunity finally presented itself.jpg|thumbnail|175px|Georges Clemenceau France demanded terms that would have completely de-industrialized and Woodrow Wilson at the Formal Signing of the Treatydemilitarized Germany.]]The delegates of the victorious powers met French floated proposals that included breaking up Germany proper and creating a client state in Paris to discuss the terms of industrial Rhineland. France demanded harsh reparations for the peace, followed by damage done to its country and Belgium during the treaty's signing at the former French royal palace of Versaillesconflict. Led by the "Big FourUltimately," Germany was forced to pay $31 billion in reparations under the U.Streaty.<ref>Roekmeke, FranceFeldman, Italyand Glaser, and Great BritainEditors. Each had their own goals and vulnerabilities<i>[https://www. While the Uamazon.S. President Wilson adhered to an idealistic view com/gp/product/0521621321/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521621321&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=23707e21c609bf040f6ea201065827fb The Treaty of collective responsibility and ethnic self-determinationVersailles: A Reassessment after 75 Years]</i>, France was driven largely by one thing(New York: revengeCambridge University Press, 1997. France sought to avenge its humiliating loss almost fifty years earlier in the Franco-Prussian War that resulted in a united GermanyPage 90. </ref>

Generations == How did France dominant the treaty conference after World War I? ==Each of the powers represented at the treaty conference came out with some disappointments. The British goal of French policy had been consumed stability was largely subverted by this idea of revanchism and a clear opportunity finally presented itself. revolutions across Europe and France demanded terms that would have completely de-industrialized and demilitarized 's demand to increase Germany's punishment. The French floated proposals that included breaking up Germany proper and creating a client state Italy did not receive territory promised in secret deliberations during the industrial Rhinelandwar. The largest shortfalls appeared for France demanded harsh reparations for the damage done to its country and Belgium during the conflict. This would materialize in over $31 billion in reparations Germany was forced to pay in the treaty terms. <ref>Roekmeke, Feldman, and Glaser, Editors. ''The Treaty of Versailles: A Reassessment after 75 Years'', (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Page 90United States.</ref>

President Wilson's lofty goals of internationalism fell asunder in the postwar reality. The emerging League of Nations lacked the teeth needed to prevent aggressive power from emerging and destroying the fragile peace. Rather than creating a series of independent democracies across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, conflict raged for years, leading to opportunities for Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia. Furthermore, the United States never signed the Treaty of Versailles and joined the League. The U.S. Senate never ratified the Treaty, destroying Wilson's grand vision. <ref>Graebner, Norman and Bennett, Edward. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1107647487/ref=as_li_tl?ie=ShortfallsUTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1107647487&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=c74d9defaf3a45523aa17dfc019a9d1c The Versailles Treaty and Its Legacy: The Failure of the Wilsonian Vision]</i>, (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Pages 86-87)</ref>

Each of the powers represented at the treaty conference came out with some disappointmentsHowever, to say it was France that had the leastmost significant impact. The British goal of stability was largely subverted by revolutions across Europe and France's demand for increasing punishment constant desire for revenge alienated its allies and sparked radical political movements in Germany. The French understood that Germanywas utterly drained by the war, losing almost half of its youngest adult male generation. Italy did not receive territory promised Paris developed a decidedly defensive posture, seeking various ways to box in secret deliberations during and humiliate Germany. France created alliances with many of the warnew Eastern European states, none of which would adequately function. The largest shortfalls appeared for France also produced a long line of defenses along the new Franco-German border. This Maginot Line proved to be less than up to the task in 1940, despite the substantial effort and the United Statesinvestment.

President Wilson's lofty goals == How did Germany React to the Treaty of internationalism fell asunder in Versailles? ==[[File:Mass_demonstration_in_front_of_the_Reichstag_against_the_Treaty_of_Versailles.jpg|thumbnail|left||300px|Mass Demonstration against the postwar reality. The emerging League Treaty of Nations lacked Versailles at the teeth needed to actually prevent an aggressive power from emerging and destroying the fragile peaceReichstag in 1919. Rather ]] Naturally, Germany was less than creating thrilled about their situation. By November 1918, nary a series of independent democracies across Eastern Europe square mile was under Allied occupation, and the Middle East, conflict raged Kaiser's troops still occupied a substantial part of Belgium. German propaganda had been announcing for yearsmonths that their soldiers were very close to victory through much of 1918. And in many ways, leading to opportunities for Nazi Germany and Stalin's Russiathey had been. FurthermoreThe shock of defeat, coupled with the harsh terms proposed, carved an indelible mark in the United States never signed German psyche. This unexpected defeat led to the Treaty of Versailles and joined famous "stab in the Leagueback" theory utilized by Hitler. The U.S. Senate never ratified the Treatysight of American, destroying Wilson's grand vision. <ref>GraebnerBritish, Norman and BennettFrench, Edward. ''The Versailles Treaty and Its Legacy: The Failure of Belgian occupying the Rhineland pierced the brief calm after the Wilsonian Vision'', (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011fighting ended. Pages 86-87)</ref>

However, it was France that had the largest impact. France's incessant desire for revenge alienated its allies and sparked radical political movements in Germany. The French understood that the country was completely drained by the war, losing almost half of its youngest adult male generation. Paris developed a decidedly defensive posture, seeking various ways to box in and humiliate Germany. France created alliances with many of the new Eastern European states, none of which would adequately function. France also created a long line of defenses along the new Franco<dh-German border. This Maginot Line proved to be less than up to the task in 1940, despite substantial effort and investment.ad/>

==
Furthermore, Germany's acceptance of Article 231, commonly referred to as the War Guilt Clause, was for many the final straw. Germany had to accept the full responsibility for the war, including the actions of its allies. This came at a heavy price. Across its territory, various portions were carved off or plebiscites prepared. Germany lost all of its overseas colonies. France gained Alsace-Lorraine, and its resources and industry were lost in the Franco-Prussian War. France also occupied the Saarland, also rich in coal. Votes were held in other regions, with Denmark regaining territory lost to Prussia in the 19th Century and Poland gaining territory in Prussia and Silesia. Perhaps most insulting was the Allied requirement that Poland has access to the sea, creating a strip divided Germany into two. The predominately German Reaction==-speaking city of Danzig became a free city. <ref>Roekmeke, ''Reassessment'', Page 45.</ref>

Naturally, The treaty required Germany was less than thrilled about their situationto disarm. By November 1918 nary a square mile was under Allied occupation and the Kaiser's German troops still occupied a substantial part of Belgium. German propaganda had been announcing for months that their soldiers were very close to victory through much of 1918. And not allowed in many ways, they had been. The shock of defeat coupled with the harsh terms proposed carved an indelible mark in the German psyche. This led to the famous "stab in the back" theory that was so utilized by Hitler. The sight of American, British, French, and Belgian occupying the Rhineland pierced the brief calm after the fighting ended.[[File:Mass_demonstration_in_front_of_the_Reichstag_against_the_Treaty_of_Versailles.jpg|thumbnail|300px|Mass Demonstration against the Treaty of Versailles at the Reichstag in 1919.]] 
Furthermore, Germany's acceptance of Article 231main industrial region that bordered France. Furthermore, commonly referred to as the War Guilt Clause Reichswehr was for many the final strawlimited to just 100,000 soldiers. Germany had to accept the full responsibility for the warThe air force was banned from having combat aircraft, including and the actions German navy lost most of its allies. This came with a heavy price. Across its territory, various portions were carved off or plebiscites prepared. Germany lost surface ships and all of its overseas coloniessubmarines. France gained Alsace-Lorraine and its resources and industry lost in the Franco-Prussian WarTanks were forbidden. France also occupied What had been arguably the Saarland, also rich in coal. Votes were held in other regions, with Denmark regaining territory lost to Prussia strongest army in the 19th Century and Poland gaining territory in both Prussia and Silesia. Perhaps most insulting world was the Allied requirement that Poland have access to the sea, creating humiliated for a strip that divided Germany in twosecond time. The predominately German-speaking city of Danzig became a free city<ref>Sharp, Alan. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/033380077X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=033380077X&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=3c0f73cc4aacf358986394a403a79bed The Versailles Settlement]</i>Roekmeke(New York: Palgrave MacMillan, ''Reassessment''Second Edition, 2008. Page 45132-133.</ref>

Germany's military was almost disarmedVersailles hung heavily on the German consciousness immediately. German troops were not allowed in Various political parties, especially on the Rhinelandemerging far-right, Germany's main industrial region that bordered Francedesperately campaigned against the terms. Furthermore, the Reichswehr was limited armed militias often called the Stahlhelm (Steel Helmets) organized across the country burnished by Great War veterans and armaments. This militia helped lead to just 100further undermine the unstable Weimar government,000 soldiers. The air force was banned from having combat aircraft and the German navy lost nearly all already accused by many of its surface ships and all of its submarines. Tanks were forbidden. What had been arguably the strongest army in right to be born on the world was humiliated for a second time. <ref>Sharp, Alan. empire''The Versailles Settleme (New York: Palgrave MacMillan, Second Edition, 2008s corpse. Page 132-133A bizarre combination of the new political party combined with militias led to emerging Communist and National Socialist conflict.</ref>

== Conclusion ==Rather than foster long-term peace and stability, the Versailles hung heavily on the German consciousness immediatelyTreaty's main goal of handling Germany instead sparked movements that would lead directly into World War II. Various political parties, especially on The National Socialist Party used widespread anger about Versailles with the emerging far right desperately campaigned against economic collapse of the termsGreat Depression to come to power in 1933. FurthermoreSix years later, armed militiasthe world was again at war, often called the Stahlhelm (Steel Helmets) organized across the country burnished by Great War veterans this time far more destructive and armamentsincorporating widespread genocide. These militia helped lead The inability for Wilson's ideals to come to widespread fruition led to further undermine the unstable Weimar governmentdevolving situations in Eastern Europe and Asia also allowed for Soviet and Japanese expansionism. Far from preventing another war, already accused by in many on the right of being born on the corpse of the empire. A bizarre combination of new political party combined with militias led to emerging Communist and National Socialist conflictways, Versailles instead caused another one.

==Conclusion==Suggested Readings====* Michael S. Neiberg <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0190659181/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0190659181&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=9187758485abe727318e423b124b3f79 The Treaty of Versailles: A Concise History]</i> (New York: Oxford University Press, 2017)* Sharp, Alan. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/033380077X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=033380077X&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=3c0f73cc4aacf358986394a403a79bed The Versailles Settlement]</i> (New York: Palgrave MacMillan, Second Edition, 2008)* Graebner, Norman and Bennett, Edward. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1107647487/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1107647487&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=c74d9defaf3a45523aa17dfc019a9d1c The Versailles Treaty and Its Legacy: The Failure of the Wilsonian Vision]</i>, (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011)* Roekmeke, Feldman, and Glaser, Editors. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521621321/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521621321&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=23707e21c609bf040f6ea201065827fb The Treaty of Versailles: A Reassessment after 75 Years]</i>, (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997)

Rather than foster long term peace and stability, the Versailles Treaty's main goal of handling Germany instead sparked movements that would lead directly into World War II. The National Socialist, or Nazi, party would use widespread anger about Versailles with the economic collapse of the Great Depression to come to power in 1933. Six years later the world was again at war, this time far more destructive and incorporating widespread genocide. The inability for Wilson's ideals to come to widespread fruition led to further devolving situations in Eastern Europe and Asia also allowed for Soviet and Japanese expansionism. Far from preventing another war, in many ways Versailles instead caused another one. ==References<div class="portal" style=<references/"width:85%;">

[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:German History]] [[Category:Military History]][[Category:World War Two History]] [[Category:European History]] [[Category:European History]]{{Contributors}}<div class="portal" style="width:85%;">==Related DailyHistory.org Articles====