The Problems of Achieving a Peace Settlement

What were the problems with agreeing a peace settlement?

When world leaders met at the peace conference it was difficult to reach a settlement satisfactory to all. Each had different ideas and views and had to weigh up what they felt was right against pleasing the voters back home.

Why were there problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

There were a number of factors that caused problems when agreeing a peace settlement, including: the armistice, prior promises, conflicting aims, time restrictions and a changing map of Europe.

Why did the armistice cause problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

Before the peace conference, Germany had already signed the armistice which included terms such as paying reparations and giving back Alsace-Lorraine. France wanted these included in the final settlement as they had already been agreed.

Why did prior promises cause problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

To gain support during the war, the Allies made promises to different countries. Italy was promised land from Austria-Hungary, and Japan was told their claims on land in China would be supported. This complicated negotiations.

Why did conflicting views cause problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

Each of the Big Three had different views about what a peace settlement looked like and this made it very difficult to reach a compromise as they disagreed on so much.

What were the conflicting views that caused problems in reaching a peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

The conflicting views of the Big Three that caused problems in agreeing a peace settlement included the following:

• ❖ Clemenceau was determined to get revenge and make Germany pay for the death and destruction suffered during the war.
• ❖ Wilson wanted to achieve a settlement that would make the world fairer.
• ❖ Lloyd George was worried about the long-term consequences of a harsh settlement but was under pressure from the British people. He also wanted to further the interests of the British Empire and its naval superiority.

Why did the changing situation in Europe cause problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

A peace settlement had to be agreed quickly because the war meant territories in Europe changed significantly. This led to instability in the political and economic affairs of many locations including eastern Europe were nations had declared their independence from Austria-Hungary, and in Russia where there was a communist revolution.

Why did time constraints cause problems with the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

Discussion of the settlement was hurried for the following reasons:

• ❖ There were 32 diplomats at the Paris Peace Conference, all of whom had to agree what the peace settlement would look like.
• ❖ Each of the 32 nations had to agree on all the peace treaties.
• ❖ They discussed each point of the treaties in great detail, but some countries tried to speed this up as they wanted reparations agreed quickly.
• ❖ The people they represented back home were keen to agree the settlement and move on from the war.

What were the consequences of the problems in agreeing a peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

Given the problems, it was impossible to reach a settlement that was satisfactory to all. While the peace settlement was agreed in 1919, it had many short and long-term consequences including:

• ❖ The Treaty of Versailles led to huge bitterness in Germany.
• ❖ It has been argued the peace settlement problems were a key cause of the Second World War.