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

Wilson, representing the United States, pushed hard for his League Covenant. This was a modified version of his original League of Nations, and had been revised by the League of Nations Commission, which Wilson himself headed. These modifications discussed religious equality, minority rights, the mandate system, and the organization of a League of Nations to monitor these and other aspects of the covenant. Wilson presented this to a plenary session of the conference. His idea was not greeted with the reception he had expected, however, and many were opposed to the covenant as part of the treaty. Wilson found the same feeling in the United States, and received a letter signed by 1/3 of the senators, saying that they would not approve the treaty as it was. To this Wilson responded: "When the treaty comes back... will find the Covenant not only in it, but so many threads of the treaty tied to the Covenant that you cannot dissect the Covenant from the treaty without destroying the whole vital structure."

serves to illustrate the lack of communication that took place between President Wilson and his delegates. Messages were garbled, orders were never specifically set, and too much was open to individual interpretation.

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."

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.

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.

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Approximate Word count = 2868
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)