The United States At The Paris Peace Conference Essays -

The United States At The Paris Peace Conference The United States at the Paris Peace Conference The First World War had lasting effects on almost every aspect of our society. Empires and monarchies collapsed, democracy began to rise, capitalism was affected, and inflation resulted from the cost of war. It became apparent that an agreement must be reached which would clearly outline the steps necessary to repair the damages done by the war. Even more importantly, a method must be devised which would, in theory, prevent such a horrific war from occurring ever again. The Paris Peace Conference was held in the winter of 1919, predominantly at the infamous Palace of Versailles, and was intended to realize these goals. Twenty-seven nations were present at the Conference, although only four of these countries had a true voice in the matter at hand. These four countries, the Great Powers, were Italy, France, England, and the United States. Represented by Vittorio Orlando, Georges Clemenceau, David Lloyd George, and Woodrow Wilson, respectively, these men held the vast majority of power and influence present at the Conference. President Wilson represented the United States at Versailles. He believed that World War I should end in a treaty based on democracy rather than on politics of power, and he was present to see to it that the Treaty of Versailles was written accordingly. Wilson embodied the success of the democratic, liberal, progressive and nationalistic movements of the past century, and represented what society wished for the future. His idealistic views and goals for the reparation of society were made evident through his presence at the Conference, as well as Blake 2 through the plans that he brought with him. In a talk with newspaperman R.J. Bender of the United Press, Wilson states what is basically his attitude towards the entire conference: ?A statement that I once made that this should be a peace without victory holds more strongly today than ever. The peace that we make must be one in which justice alone is the determining factor.? Wilson demonstrates the visionary approach with which he viewed the Peace Conference precisely in this remark. President Wilson's presence at the conference has been debated from many angles. It was possible, was he not present at the conference, that the Allies would insist on a resolution rooted in force and vengeance between the European countries. Wilson felt that this method would be ineffective in the long run. He believed that only on a peace reached through justice could a stable society be rebuilt. Wilson personally felt that the best way to attain a genuine peace among all countries would be to create a bond of nations that had entered into an agreement to prevent the reoccurrence of such a Great War, although he recognized the likeliness of opposition to his plan. He predicted correctly that there would be a demand for immediate peace terms and a postponement on an association of nations. Because Wilson felt so strongly that his plan was the most sensible and definite way in which to proceed with the Peace Conferences, he felt obligated to be present in Paris. This enabled him to defend his views and thus protect what he felt was in the best interest of the United States. It has been argued that this was not a wise choice for the President. Many say that had he remained in Washington and carried on negotiations through his Commissioners, he would have retained his place as superior and powerful. This would have allowed him to dictate the terms of the treaty as he wished. The fact that he attended the conference resulted in the loss Blake 3 of the position of power that he held. This forced Wilson to submit to the wills of the European countries, many of which harbored feelings of hostility towards the conquered countries. While it seems apparent that the most beneficial move the President could have taken was to remain in the United States, his idealistic belief in the promise of the bond of nations led him to disregard advice and sail to France to secure the Treaty of Versailles. Wilson had extremely specific goals in mind when he departed for France. The 14 Points, which he had written