The Failure of VersaillesThe End of World War I

Focus Question What is the best way to maintain peace

between two people who have been fighting?

Mobilization The U.S. mobilized swiftly Focused on industry to the war effort

America as the arsenal of democracy Established numerous agencies to harness

production War Industries Board – Manufacturing Food Administration – Agricultural production Fuel Administration – Stockpile fuel for war use National War Labor Board – prevent work

stoppages

Public Morale Vital The Committee of Public Information

George Creel Sponsored Public Speakers Promoted films newsreels,

songs, etc. Support the War effort

Civil Rights Violations Socialists and peace activists targeted

Espionage Act of 1917 Sedition Act of 1918

1,000 convicted Upheld in Schenck

v. United States 1919“Clear and Present Danger”

Not a Bang, but a Whimper The War ended on November 11, 1918

German troops simply gave up Could not match numbers of the Allies

Allied troops did not set foot in Germany during the War

Versailles Negotiators assembled at Versailles Many looked to Wilson for leadership

“Fourteen Points of Peace” “Peace Without Victory” “Prevent all future wars” Promoted League of Nations

Fourteen Points of Peace Proposed by Wilson in March 1918 Sought to craft a “just and lasting peace” “Peace without victory”

Built on three legs Guarantees of Peace Self-Determination of boundaries No war guilt

Too Idealistic The Allies wished to punish Germany Treaty of Versailles

Set up a draconian peace Germany to admit war guilt Germany to pay reparations Forced occupation of

Germany Negotiated in secret

Seeds Laid High levels of resentment in Germany

Led to rise of totalitarian government Power Vacuum in Eastern Europe

Nine new countries Borders “fluid” No guiding Power

German Resentment Versailles humiliated Germany

Faced occupation and starvation Economy collapsed in the 1920s Desperation ruined the fledging

democracy Germany left vulnerable to

demagogues

U.S. Withdrawal U.S. reclaimed its Isolationist mantle

Refused to ratify Treaty of Versailles Refused to join the League of Nations

U.S. the only untouchedGreat Power

Left a power vacuum in the world