Paris Peace Conference

Social Welfare and Support

• Susso provided for the destitute, specifically those long-term unemployed with no savings or assets.
• Given in the form of food rations (bread and potatoes) or coupons.
• Inspired a popular children's rhyme during its implementation.

Causes of World War II

• World War II erupted 20 years after WWI, with many blaming the Treaty of Versailles for Germany’s grievances.
• The roots of WWII are complex, involving both long-term and short-term contributing factors.

Treaty of Versailles and the Paris Peace Conference

• The Paris Peace Conference in 1919 involved the Allies (Britain, France, USA, Italy) negotiating peace with the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria).
• The treaty imposed harsh penalties on Germany, adversely affecting their political and economic stability.
• Germany experienced mass unemployment and inflation, breeding resentment and bitterness among its population.
• This sentiment was exploited by various German politicians in the 1920s and 1930s.

Reactions to the Treaty

• Allies also faced dissatisfaction; Italy felt shortchanged despite joining the Allies.
• The Austrian-Hungarian Empire was dismantled, leading to the creation of new nations like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
• Austria-Hungary was required to pay compensation to the Allies.

Establishment of the League of Nations

• Formed in 1919 to uphold world peace and prevent future conflicts through negotiation rather than military means.
• The League possessed authority to mediate disputes and issue warnings, impose sanctions, or threaten military action against aggressors.
• Initially included 42 member countries, expanding to 58 by 1935.
• Proposed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, though the U.S. did not join due to a reluctance to engage in European affairs.
• Initially successful, but ultimately failed to prevent future wars.

The Roaring Twenties

• While Germany faced economic difficulties, the 1920s marked a time of prosperity in the USA, Britain, France, and Australia.
• This era fostered technological advancements and social change.

Key Figures in Negotiations

• The Paris Peace Conference was dominated by four leaders:
  • British Prime Minister David Lloyd George
  • French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau
  • American President Woodrow Wilson
  • Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando

Clemenceau's Goals

• France sought retribution for WWI damages and aimed to significantly weaken Germany to prevent future conflicts.

Wilson's Approach

• Wilson advocated for a balanced treaty that punished Germany without inciting a thirst for revenge.

Treaty Signing and Conditions

• The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, despite German opposition.
• Germany had to surrender territory, including former colonies, and maintain a limited army of 100,000 volunteers.
• Air force, tanks, heavy artillery, and submarines were banned for Germany.
• Germany was required to accept war guilt and pay reparations totaling 7 billion British pounds.