History 2: An Examination of the Paris Peace Conference Outcome

This assignment explores the ramifications of the Paris Peace Conference following World War I, focusing on the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on Germany. The paper examines the economic devastation imposed on Germany, including war reparations and territorial losses, and analyzes the perspectives of key figures like President Wilson. The assignment contrasts Wilson's approach with those of other Allied leaders, highlighting the differing views on Germany's culpability and the resulting harsh terms of the treaty. It also assesses the treaty's adherence to principles of equality and self-determination, arguing that the treatment of Germany contradicted these ideals. The paper concludes by emphasizing the detrimental consequences of the treaty on Germany and the disproportionate burden it bore compared to other nations involved in the war.

Running head: HISTORY
Outcome of Paris Peace Conference
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note

1HISTORY
Table of Contents
Answer to question 1..................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 2..................................................................................................................2
Answer to question 3..................................................................................................................3
Answer to question 4..................................................................................................................3
Reference:..................................................................................................................................5

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Answer to question 1
The background of the question is based on the aftermath effect of the World
War I. The Paris Peace Conference comprised of certain provisions that deteriorate the
economic condition of Germany as Germany lost the war (Hankey, 2014). Germany had to
accept the total responsibility regarding the damages and as per the conditions of the treaty,
many Germanise had to leave their homeland. German had to bear the indemnity of the war
losses and it has been decided that the German river should be undertaken and that should be
controlled by certain international bodies. Germany was forced to pay $5 billion and it was
decided that the economy of Germany would be regulated by the Poland. In the year 1923,
the French region declared to collect the coal for the transportation from the territory of
Germany. According to the pact, many German homestead lands were became a part to the
Czechoslovakian states. Due to the pact, the position of Germany was utterly destroyed and
the economic condition of the country had to face hurdle (Unowsky, 2014).
Answer to question 2
Wilson was the American President who had adopted certain notions at the
post war period. He was of the view that any particular state is not responsible for the war.
Therefore, it is not required to punish Germany for the war (Williams, 2014). In the year
1918, he had delivered his fourteen points policies and included certain principles on open
diplomacy, free trade, readjustment of colonial claims and self-determination of Europe.
Apart from the policies, he was opted for the establishment of a new organisation who will be
responsible for secure peace and integrity. He had not taken any policy to deprive Germany
or punish the state for the betterment of the world diplomacy as a whole.

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However, it has been observed that the other leaders such as the British Prime
Minister David Lloyed and the French President Georges Clemenceau were supported to
punish Germany and held the state liable for the war. As a necessary consequence of the
same, the harsh principles of the Treaty of Versailles were imposed on Germany in the year
1919. It has been observed that the policies of the treaty have weaken the German framework
and the economy of the state was affected for the harsh pacts and the reason behind such
deterioration was the mentality of the state leaders regarding Germany. Therefore, it can be
stated that if the model of Wilson could be followed, the condition of Germany will be
different (Marks, 2013).
Answer to question 3
In the first paragraph of the treaty, it was written that the treaty will try to
maintain fundamental rights among all and fundamental law should be enacted for the
betterment of the society. It was also stated that doctrine of equality should be maintained and
self-determination will be regarded as the best right secured for the equality and integrity of
the universe (Sharp, 2015). Therefore, it was the right of the citizen of Germany to reveal
their opinion regarding the acceptance of blame or taking the responsibility of the war.
However, the ultimate situation was different and it has been observed that millions of
Germanise had to leave their place and bear the indemnity of war. Thus, imposition of these
duties to the citizens was bad in law and opposed the principle of peace.
Answer to question 4
After perusing the terms of the treaty and the agreement, it can be observed
that the Germanise are ill-treated and they had to bear all the liabilities of the war alone. It
has been clear from the given facts that all the participants of the war were suffered badly and
Germany was not the exception. The effect of the war becomes detrimental to the country.

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However, USA president Wilson was an exception. He was the sole person who opted for
peace but the other countries of the European Union disarm Germany brutally (Phelps, 2013).
Countries like France demanding money and other resources from the territory
of Germany and military base camp was organised in the border of the country. Everyone
presumed that Germany was the real predator and pass over the liabilities of the European
countries on the shoulders of Germany. The burden that was imposed on Germany was havoc
and the European countries were made the excuse by stating that Germany had the resources
and if the weapons, resources and money could snatched from them, they could not use it in
another war.

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Reference:
Hankey, D. (2014). The Supreme Control at the Paris Peace Conference 1919 (Routledge
Revivals): A Commentary. Routledge.
Marks, S. (2013). Mistakes and Myths: The Allies, Germany, and the versailles treaty, 1918–
1921. The Journal of Modern History, 85(3), 632-659.
Phelps, N. M. (2013). US-Habsburg Relations from 1815 to the Paris Peace Conference:
Sovereignty Transformed. Cambridge University Press.
Sharp, A. (2015). The Consequences of the Peace: The Versailles Settlement: Aftermath and
Legacy 1919-2015. Haus Publishing.
Unowsky, D. (2014). Nicole M. Phelps. US-Habsburg Relations from 1815 to the Paris Peace
Conference: Sovereignty Transformed.
Williams, A. J. (2014). The Allies During the First World War and Paris Peace Conference.
In France, Britain and the United States in the Twentieth Century 1900–
1940 (pp. 56-93). Palgrave Macmillan UK.

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