Wilson Dbq

As a result of losing World War 1, the Germans were forced to sign The Treaty of Versailles among other requirements. It was very strict on them, and Woodrow Wilson strongly disagreed with its provisions. He came up with a plan known as the Fourteen Points, which he believed to be a better alternative. Wilson clung to his idea so stubbornly that it is valid to say that his rigid beliefs led to the Senate defeat of the treaty of Versailles, rather than the strength of both liberal and conservative forces.

Although it was Wilson’s ineptitude that defeated the Treaty of Versailles, there was still plenty of support for him from American liberals and conservatives. Liberals wanted the war to end with peace that “would moralize nationalism by releasing it from class bondage and exclusive ambitions” (Document B). The Treaty of Versailles would do the exact opposite for Germany and merely increase tension in Europe, or so the liberals believed. Reducing Germany to servitude would not solve Europe’s problems because it would degrade millions of people. John Maynard Keynes considered it “abhorrent and detestable” because it totally conflicted with the American way, regardless of its possible benefits. Herbert Hoover wrote to Wilson saying that he supported the League of Nations over the Treaty of Versailles and that it should be put into “constructive operation” as soon as possible so that it wouldn’t lose public support(Document D).

However, The League of Nations was opposed by some just as much as it was supported. While it was agreed that a functional international peacemaker was necessary, The Women’s Peace Party was divided on the subject because their views differed so much (Document I). Also, many looked at Wilson’s stubborn ways as idiotic because they had wanted to be a part of the League of Nations. They believed that regardless of our participation in the League of Nations, we would still have to follow its rules, so it would make more sense to be a part of...