Treaty of Versailles

• Treaty of Versailles

  • Importance: believed that the harshness was leading Germany to WW2, wanted revenge on all the other countries because it was so harsh
  • Canadian importance: Canada was recognized as an country by the world, the only British colony to get a seat at the Conference, Canada got 35 BILLION in reparation payments
• • The war ended formally with the Paris Peace Conference held in 1919 at the Palace of Versailles
  • Military success had won Canada new status on the world stage, Borden gained a reputation for standing firm with the british
  • Canada had sent 4 delegates to Paris, including Borden, even when the US and Britain said they shouldn’t
• • The Treaty was officially signed on June 28,1919 (5 years after the Archduke’s death)
• • Meant to set out peace in Europe and set regulations for rebuilding and repairing damages
• France

  • The main battlefield for war, wanted revenge on Germany
  • Wanted to rebuild their country
• Britain

  • Wanted to please France, punish Germany (but not as harshly)
  • Turn attention back home and away from Europe
• US

  • Wanted to introduce a 14 piece plan for sustained peace in Europe (League of Nations)
• Germany

  • Establish a fair, democratic government
• • Germany signed a War Guilt Clause, placing all blame on German Soldiers
  • Had to give Rhineland back to France for 15 years, pay for all the damages, restricted navy and no air force was permitted, lost overseas colonies