France wanted security from Germany, Britain wanted payment and a stable Europe, and the USA's Wilson wanted a League to keep peace.
French leader Georges Clemenceau wanted protection from another German attack. He also wanted Germany to pay for damage in France. Limiting Germany's army and keeping German troops away from France would make an invasion harder. So his aim was security as well as punishment.
British prime minister David Lloyd George faced voters who wanted Germany to pay. But he also wanted Germany to recover and trade with Britain. Britain wanted a balance of power, where no one country could dominate Europe. A Germany left bitter or unstable could itself threaten peace.
US president Woodrow Wilson wanted a League of Nations to settle disputes. His Fourteen Points also called for fewer weapons and borders that respected people's wishes.
These ideals competed with the winners' demands for security and territory. Italy also took part in the main talks. Germany was not allowed to negotiate; it was handed the terms. The treaty was a compromise. No leader got everything.
- Clemenceau (France)
- Security from Germany and payment for damage.
- Lloyd George (Britain)
- Make Germany pay, but let it recover to trade.
- Wilson (USA)
- A League of Nations and the Fourteen Points.
Worked example: Why limit an army?
France had been invaded and wanted less risk of another German attack.
- Aim: security against another invasion.
- Term: a small German army and no troops in the Rhineland.
- Trade-off: this made Germans resentful, which could weaken the peace.
Watch out for this
Clemenceau only wanted revenge, and Wilson wanted no punishment at all.
Clemenceau mainly wanted security. Wilson accepted some terms against Germany but focused on the League.
Check your understanding
What did Lloyd George want from the peace?
- Germany to pay, but also recover enough to trade with Britain.
- Germany to be destroyed as a country.
- No League of Nations.