Question

In 1919, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles. Did the treaty reflect Wilson’s vision of “peace without victory”? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The options to the question are the following:

1. No. Although the treaty included Wilson’s Fourteen Points, other provisions made them redundant.
2. Yes. Several of the Fourteen Points became part of the treaty.
3. No. The other Allies wanted to punish Germany harshly for its actions.
4. Yes. Germany was able to negotiate a peace settlement without admitting defeat.

Answer:

3. No. The other Allies wanted to punish Germany harshly for its actions.

Explanation:

American President Wilson wanted a peace treaty that brings justice to all nations, and that would treat fairly the defeated Central Powers. However, the other allies wanted to set harsh conditions that punished Germany harshly and would prevent it from being a military threat to the rest of Europe ever again. The Treaty of Versailles was a reflection of the other Allies' vision, not Wilson's. In the treaty, Germany was sentenced as the aggressor and responsible for the war and it was demanded to pay for the losses and damage caused to the Allies.