The Beginning of World War I

The cause of the first world war has been a subject matter that has been debated for decades. Many historians feel that the European powers’ attempts at territorial claims was the cause of the first world war. Many other historians debate that the assassination of Archduke Franz Fernidad, heir to the Austro-Hungary throne, was the cause of the war. The 20th century had begun by European powers claiming territories and forming alliances in case of war.

The Germans Declare War

The Germans were no exception for the bids for territory. The nation was determined to conquer France, and in an effort to do so, the country invaded neutral Belgium in an attempt to gain access to France. Germany had thought that the Belgiums would allow the German forces to invade, however the Belgiums surprised the Germans by providing resistance. It was apparent that Europe was at war by 1914.

The United States Joins World War I

The Germans were able to defeat Belgium quickly and invade France. However, the war came to a standstill. There was a new warfare that involved trenches. The trenches resulted in awful conditions that caused troops little physical movement and many deaths. For years the war continued with little results. The war even moved to the seas where many innocent lives were lost as ships were sunk by submarines. Then in 1917 the British intercepted a message from Germany to Mexico. The Germans promised Mexico lost territories that were now part of the southwest of the United States. The U.S. shed their neutral status and declared war on Germany. The Americans joined the Allied powers on both European soil and seas. After the Americans entered the war, it quickly came to an end. On November 11, 1918, the German Kaiser fled to Holland and the war ended with a cease fire.

The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was not written until the following April. The Treaty of Versailles was written in hopes of bringing a peace throughout the world that would be long lasting. At least that was the hope of United States President Woodrow Wilson. However, there were several nations such as France that wanted the Germans to be held responsible for the war. At the time Britain agreed with France. France felt that they had been hit hard by the war and lost many men and women.The Germans received a copy in May of 1919. The Treaty of Versailles had many articles and regulations for Germany. The Allied forces gave Germany three weeks to accept the treaty.

The Treaty of Versailles Demilitarizes Germany

The Treaty of Versailles had many punitive measures against Germany – measures that some historians feel were the cause of World War II. The Germans were only allowed to have 100,000 men in their army. They were no longer allowed to produce war weapons such as heavy artillery, gas, and tanks that were used with such deadly force during the war. In addition, the Germans were not allowed to have an air force, nor were they allowed to have submarines. All military items that were still operational after the war were to be scrapped. These conditions were written into the treaty in hopes that Germany would not be able to declare war on another nation.

Germany Loses Territory Rights in the Treaty of Versailles

In addition to their loss of military status, Germany also lost almost 14 percent of their territory claims as of 1914. The Treaty of Versailles gave Poland the right to govern as their own country. Danzig, an important German port was placed under international rule. The treaty also placed many of Germany’s colonies under the rule of the Allied powers which included France, Britain, the U.S., and Russia.

Germany Under the Treaty of Versailles Must Make Payments Due to the War

One of the most critical factors of the Treaty of Versailles is considered to be fault and financial repayments. The Treaty of Versailles included a section that made the Germans claim fault for the war. The treaty also included a clause that had the Germans make reparations in the millions to the Allied forces.

Germany Signs the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919 at the Palace of Versailles. There were 21 nations in attendance and thousands of people filled the Hall of Mirrors to witness the 2 delegates from Germany to sign the treaty. As they sign the treaty, bells are rung through out Paris and thousands on the streets cheer for peace.

The Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles

The treaty was signed at the Palace of Versailles, once the magnificent home of the Kings and Queens of France. Amazingly, this popular tourist attraction was once intended as a hunting lodge. The palace is still open to tourism today. The Hall of Mirrors where King Louis held council and the Treaty of Versailles was signed, is open for tourism as well. Although not all of the rooms are open at the palace, there are many rooms available for viewing. The beautiful and lavish gardens that have made history are also available for touring.

The king’s and queen’s chambers are some of the other rooms that can visited. The original paintings on the walls and the ceilings are spectacular. The king’s and queen’s private apartments can also be viewed and are adjacent to their chambers. There are several salons to be seen that house different paintings. Many of the salons have art work that showcase different Greek gods and goddess, however the Mars Salon displays the famous painting of Marie Antoinette and her children.