To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles reflect the views of the Big Three?
The first of the Peace Treaties after World War II took place in the Palace of Versailles, close to Paris, where 32 nations were represented, though none of the defeated countries were invited. Georges Clemenceau was adamant that the Conference was to take place in France, as a symbol of their survival and strength. The reason for the Treaty was to pay the reparations and ensure that Germany would not return to its former dangerous power. The Conference lasted 12 months, which was not expected by the leading parties. Due to this, it was decided that Germany would not be summoned at all, as previously agreed, but would be presented with the Treaty. Prior to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, there was a lot of dispute among the leaders of the biggest nations over its clauses, and it became increasingly clear that not all of the demands would be met. …show more content…
He also wanted to weaken Germany to remove the threat to his country. France stood behind him in his aims for the harsher things in the Treaty, and they were unyielding on their wish for revenge. It could be argued that Clemenceau’s views were best represented in the Treaty. He received the reparations from Germany and a demilitarised Rhineland, which would protect France and act as a buffer. France also received German colonies and some land (Alsace-Lorraine), but Clemenceau still believed the Treaty of Versailles should have been harsher than it
The first of the Peace Treaties after World War II took place in the Palace of Versailles, close to Paris, where 32 nations were represented, though none of the defeated countries were invited. Georges Clemenceau was adamant that the Conference was to take place in France, as a symbol of their survival and strength. The reason for the Treaty was to pay the reparations and ensure that Germany would not return to its former dangerous power. The Conference lasted 12 months, which was not expected by the leading parties. Due to this, it was decided that Germany would not be summoned at all, as previously agreed, but would be presented with the Treaty. Prior to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, there was a lot of dispute among the leaders of the biggest nations over its clauses, and it became increasingly clear that not all of the demands would be met. …show more content…
He also wanted to weaken Germany to remove the threat to his country. France stood behind him in his aims for the harsher things in the Treaty, and they were unyielding on their wish for revenge. It could be argued that Clemenceau’s views were best represented in the Treaty. He received the reparations from Germany and a demilitarised Rhineland, which would protect France and act as a buffer. France also received German colonies and some land (Alsace-Lorraine), but Clemenceau still believed the Treaty of Versailles should have been harsher than it