What part did Woodrow Wilson play at the Paris peace conference?
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Figure false: Leaders of the Paris Peace Conference
Figure false: The three leaders in charge of putting the world back together after the Great War — from left to right, British prime minister David Lloyd George, French premier Georges Clemenceau, and U.S. president Woodrow Wilson — stride toward the peace conference at the Versailles palace. Clemenceau is caught offering animated instruction to Wilson, whom he considered naively idealistic. Gamma Liaison/Getty Images.
WILSON DECIDED TO REAFFIRM his noble war ideals by announcing his peace aims before the end of hostilities. He hoped the victorious Allies would adopt his plan for international democracy, but he was sorely disappointed. America’s allies understood that Wilson’s principles jeopardized their own postwar plans for the acquisition of enemy territory, new colonial empires, and reparations. Wilson also faced strong opposition at home from those who feared that his enthusiasm for international cooperation would undermine American sovereignty.
CHRONOLOGY
1918
- – Wilson gives Fourteen Points speech.
1919
- – Paris peace conference begins.
- – Treaty of Versailles is signed.
1920
- – Senate votes against ratification of Treaty of Versailles.