Big Three (TOV)

Big Three

• They were dubbed "Big Three" (Britain, France, and USA) because they were the most influential nations after WW1

• Aims: 

  • France: 

    • Led by Georges Clemenceau (Prime Minister)

    • Wanted to be protected from Germany

    • Wanted to cripple Germany's military

    • Create a "buffer zone" between Germany and France (demilitarisation of Rhineland)

    • Harsh peace treaty to ruin Germany economically and militarily 

    • Had French support for a harsh peace treaty

  • Britain

    • Led by Lloyd George (Prime Minister)

    • Wanted a less harsh treaty, which will allow German economy to recover, and quickly resume European trade

    • However, he had came into power under the premise that he would punish Germany severely

    • Thus, even if he wanted a less harsh treaty and was more sympathetic to Germany, he could not appear so

    • Wanted to protect overseas colonies (strong navy and no threat)

  • USA

    • Led by Woodrow Wilson (President)

    • Did not want a harsh treaty

    • Believed that a harsh treaty would only damage relations in Europe

    • Wanted a reasonable treaty that would punish Germany only enough

    • Wanted TOV to re-establish peace

    • Fourteen points

    • Needed the support of Britain and France for LON - Had previously been proposed to US Senate, but it was rejected