Final Negotiations

The Talk Drags On

Each country held a position upon what should happen during negations and for the future of Germany. These positions caused the discussion to become drawn out and unproductive. Each country fought for its own vision of the treaty, and this caused strained relations between the Allies. Both England and the United States were unhappy with the proposals of France. Long negations over the future of Germany led to a breakdown in the talks.

President Wilson became so frustrated that he packed his bags and returned to the United States. He had been away for many months and he need to work on problems faced inside of his country, not the problems of Europe.

The departure of Wilson had the effect of scaring Clemenceau into relaxing his position. His fear of having to face Germany alone, without the support of England and the United States, prompted him to change some of his demands. Once Clemenceau was prepared to concede part of his position, the negations were able to proceed relatively quickly.

The biggest reason why Clemenceau was prepared to give in came as a result of a promise by England and the United States. France dropped its demand for a buffer country carved out of Germany, because the United States and England promised to come to the aid of France if Germany attacked.

With French fears reduced over facing Germany alone, the negotiations moved to the ideas of President Wilson. Wilson was able to win over the people to the plan for a League of Nations where future problems would be solved without fighting. Final details for the treaty were completed by 7 May 1919. It had taken from 18 January to 7 May (five months) to finalize a document for the German delegation to sign.

Germany Signs the Treaty

The Germans were invited to sign the document 28 June 1919. Upon reviewing the treaty, the Germans immediately began to consider going to war, as they believed the treaty was too harsh. The return to war was not a serious option as the Allies had continued to blockade Germany since the Armistice, and thus its civilian population was being starved to death.

The treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, just outside of Paris. The treaty was signed there on purpose to insult the Germans. Bismarck had used the same room to insult the French by declaring the creation of Germany after the Franco-Prussian War. Now the French returned the favor by punishing Germany with the treaty of Versailles in the same room.