Most
historians would argue that the Treaty of Versailles was a rather efficient cause of . Among its
more egregious provisions was the "war guilt clause" which shouldered Germany with
complete and total responsibility for the war. Additionally, Germany was compelled to pay
reparations which were eight times greater than the entire country's net worth. Of course the
reparations were not paid in full; however this caused tremendous resentment on the part of the
German people, and proved fertile ground for the likes of Adolf Hitler to focus that resentment.
The Treaty gave territory to France which was German in culture and language, which was also an
untenable situation.
Additionally, Japan had come into World War I expecting
to gain territory in Asia, primarily German territories. By the terms of the Treaty, Japan
walked away empty handed. There is some argument that there was a racial element at work here,
as Woodrow Wilson was quite racist. He had Ho Chi Minh thrown out of the Conference when he
asked for self-determination of the people of Indochina.
Most of the mistakes
made at the Treaty negotiations were because France and England were determined to cripple
Germany; and Woodrow Wilson, who should have been more forceful, made broad concessions to
assure the Treaty would include his dream of a League of Nations. The end result was too high a
price for an organization that soon failed. Had Wilson been more forceful, perhaps World War II
could have been avoided, although that is a subject of substantial
conjecture.
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