What did we gain of the treaty of Versailles out of the fourteen points plan?
Read the section here about the Treaty of Versailles:
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-fourteen-points-3310117
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To determine what was gained from the Treaty of Versailles in relation to President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points plan, we need to compare and analyze the key provisions of both.
The Fourteen Points plan was a proposal put forth by President Wilson in January 1918, during World War I, outlining his vision for peace and resolving conflicts. It aimed to prevent further wars by promoting principles such as open diplomacy, self-determination, and the establishment of an international organization (League of Nations) to address global issues. Here are some of the main points of the plan:
1. Open Covenants: The idea was to have transparent negotiations and public treaties, avoiding secret alliances.
2. Freedom of the Seas: Ensured unrestricted access to all nations in terms of trade and navigation.
3. Removal of Economic Barriers: Promoted fair trade practices and eliminated trade barriers between nations.
4. Reduction of Armaments: Limited military build-up to minimize the risk of future conflicts.
5. Decolonization: Recognized the rights of colonial territories to determine their own future.
6. Self-Determination: Supported the idea that people should have the right to choose their own governance.
7. League of Nations: Called for the creation of an international organization to maintain peace and cooperation among nations.
However, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, it did not fully reflect President Wilson's Fourteen Points. While some aspects of the plan found their way into the treaty, significant compromises were made, and the final terms of the treaty were more punitive toward Germany. Here's what was gained from the Treaty of Versailles:
1. Territorial Changes: Germany lost substantial territories to various nations, including Alsace-Lorraine to France and parts of West Prussia to Poland.
2. Military Limitations: Germany's military was heavily restricted, including limits on the size of their army, navy, and the prohibition of an air force.
3. Reparations: Germany was required to pay substantial reparations to the Allies as compensation for war damages.
4. War Guilt: The treaty assigned sole responsibility for the war to Germany, imposing significant blame and shame on the nation.
5. League of Nations: The League of Nations was established, as proposed by President Wilson, with the aim of maintaining international peace.
While the Treaty of Versailles incorporated elements of Wilson's plan, it ultimately deviated from its original intent. Rather than a comprehensive and fair framework for peace, the treaty inflicted significant economic, political, and psychological burdens on post-war Germany, contributing to simmering resentment and ultimately influencing the outbreak of World War II.
To understand the specific gains and losses from the Treaty of Versailles and how they compare to Wilson's Fourteen Points, a deep analysis of the historical context and scholarly sources will provide a comprehensive understanding.