Module 1: The Armistice

Armistice

The armistice that ended World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, bringing a much-anticipated halt to the hostilities that had ravaged Europe for four long years. President Woodrow Wilson’s vision for peace was encapsulated in his Fourteen Points, which emphasized principles such as self-determination, open diplomacy, and the establishment of a League of Nations to prevent future conflicts. However, the realities of the war's devastation led to significant pushback from other Allied leaders. Georges Clemenceau, the French Prime Minister, was particularly adamant about imposing harsh penalties on Germany, driven by a desire for security and retribution after the extensive suffering France had endured.

As the negotiations progressed after the armistice, the focus turned to the punitive measures that would be outlined in the Treaty of Versailles. Clemenceau and his allies sought severe punishment for Germany, aiming to weaken its capacity to wage war again. This approach was met with criticism from some economists and intellectuals, including John Maynard Keynes, who argued that excessive reparations could destabilize Germany and lead to future conflicts. The armistice marked not only the cessation of fighting but also set the stage for contentious debates over the terms of peace, highlighting the tensions between Wilson's idealistic approach and the harsher realities advocated by leaders like Clemenceau. The decisions made in the aftermath would have profound implications for Europe and the world, shaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come.