Clemenceau, David Lloyd George's Success At The Paris Peace Conference

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The differing goals of Georges Clemenceau, David Lloyd George and Woodrow Wilson was a catalyst the arising problems at the Paris Peace Conference. The conference was an international meeting convened on January 19, 1919 in Versailles which is located on the outskirts of Paris. The purpose of the meeting was to establish the terms of peace after World War One. France’s Prime Minister Clemenceau had one primary goal, which was to ensure that German never invaded France and to punish Germany severely. However, Lloyd George; the Prime Minister of Britain aimed to maintain their own security, unity and interests and desired ‘justice’ for the allies. The objectives of Clemenceau and Lloyd George contradicted those of the President of the United …show more content…
He believed that Germany’s economy had to be restored to its stable financial condition before the war, but still aimed to weaken its military forces. This is due to the fact that Germany had been strong international trading partners. If harsh reparations were to be inflicted on Germany, Britain would be deprived of essential resources. Yet, populist and capitalist views clashed. The civilians of Britain asserted that the prime minister was being “too lenient “towards Germany; the vanquished enemy. The public urged a harsh peace against Germany, and reparations for the losses that the British suffered. Thus, Lloyd George had to adhere to the likes of the population, which is demonstrated in Source A, “Lloyd George …left him in no …show more content…
He forwarded the creation of a ‘League of Nations’, which would allow international leaders to discuss their issues without the need for conflict. In order to achieve this, Wilson promoted a “safe world” and that the war “would end all wars” through the implemented of the 14 Points. This is seen in Source B, which mentions that Wilson had a “unselfish and idealistic spirit”. However, it is essential to note that The United States of America was becoming the most powerful nation internationally and Wilson was attempting to increase the authority the country possessed. He knew that by creating peace, trade opportunities would be generated and America would collect substantial debts from the Allies and other European countries. Wilson merely considered German’s reparations and deteriorated economy as he was aware that they would be imputed into France’s and Britain’s economy. Clemenceau and Lloyd George did not accept Wilson’s vision as they believed that he was unaware and disillusioned with the damaged caused in France and Britain. This was the result of ‘isolationism’ in America and their separation from European affairs until late end of the conflict. Ultimately, America did not have to rebuild their economy and towns after the war. Despite this, Clemenceau and Lloyd George did not express their disagreements as they had very limited options economically, and had to support America who

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