WORLD WAR ITHE END

1918 - 1921

The War’s End When the U.S.

entered the war, the Allied Powers had fresh soldiers and supplies

German troops – Had no food and

other supplies – They were forced

to retreat with the coming of the U.S. army

Armistice On October 4, 1918,

Germany asked Woodrow Wilson for an armistice (an agreement to stop fighting)– The armistice began on

November 11, 1918• 11th day, 11th month, 11th

hour• What is Armistice day

called in the U.S. today?

World War I Ends in 1918

Wilson’s 14 Points January 1919 – world leaders gather in

Paris, France for a peace conference President Wilson presents a peace plan to

end all future wars known as the “Fourteen Points”

• Creation of new nations where people could determine how they wanted to be ruled = self-determination

• Ending of secret treaties and peaceful settlement of disputes over colonies

League of Nations Wilson’s final point called

for the creation of an international organization where countries would work together to keep peace.

This organization was known as the League of Nations

Paris Peace Conference The Allies disagreed on how to “punish”

the Central Powers– Wilson did not want to punish them – other

Allies sought revenge (why?)

Countries and Leaders at the Peace Conference

USA – Woodrow Wilson

Great Britain – David Lloyd George

France – George Clemenceau

Treaty of Versailles June 28, 1919 Forced Germany to accept

guilt for war and pay reparations (pay for damages)

Limited Germany’s military – Forbidden to have

aircraft and submarines

Germany lost colonies and territories

League of Nations was created

American Opposition Wilson presented the Treaty of Versailles to the

U.S. Senate in July 1919 for ratification– The Senate had to approve the treaty before the U.S

could officially accept it

Many Americans did not trust the idea of a League of Nations They thought that an

organization would tie America to international work (protecting other nations) forever

American Opposition The U.S. Senate

rejected the Treaty of Versailles in 1920– The U.S. did NOT join

the League of Nations– In 1921 the U.S. signed

a separate treaty with each of the Central Powers, officially ending the war.