Chapter 106: Willing to go to war for Lorraine
U.S. President Wilson was an extremely confident idealist, and during his administration, the U.S. economy grew very rapidly, making it the world's largest economy at the time. He felt that the international balance of power had changed and that the United States should abandon its traditional isolationist policy and assume the heavy responsibility of world leadership, so after making the decision to declare war on Germany, he put forward on January 8, 1918, a "14-point" program for world hegemony based on the establishment of an international alliance and the preservation of freedom of navigation on the high seas.
Obviously, Germany is indispensable in his League of Nations system, which is the main reason why he always helps the Germans to speak and desperately suppresses French Prime Minister Clemenceau. His thoughts with British Prime Minister Lloyd? George has similarities and differences, because the British are looking only at Europe, while Wilson is looking at the world as a whole.
Is it possible that French Prime Minister Clemenceau did not understand the strategic intentions of Britain and the United States, and the scheming Lloyd? Like George, Clemenceau was also deliberately pretending to be stupid, and repeatedly used the topic to play-for-tat with Wilson, and its main purpose was nothing more than two purposes: first, tearing Germany apart would indeed reduce the risk of the east, and second, using the opportunity of France and Germany to enhance the ability to compete with the British.
In the peace talks, the highest posture is still the host Germany, Prime Minister Stresemann has always maintained a humble attitude, and also has great respect for the United States and Britain, which makes Wilson's heart full of doubts, he feels very strange, Britain and France used to say that Germany is too aggressive, and arrogant and unreasonable, is the main culprit of the war, however, since the beginning of the peace talks, Germany has maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, and Britain has also been safeguarding the interests of the Germans, but France is pressing step by step, layer by layer of difficulties, This is really hearsay, it is better to hear and witness. As a result, he felt more and more that Germany was a rare and firm ally of the United States in the future, and that it would be very beneficial, even a powerful helper, for the United States to lead the world, and that this reliable partner must not be allowed to throw itself into the arms of the Red Soviet Union.
British Prime Minister Lloyd, who has always chosen to be a good man? George actually had his own little calculations, not weakening the strength of the German Army could counter the strength of France, and not forcing Germany to pay war reparations could be exchanged for Germany's overseas colonies, which was easier and more effective than a cruel war robbery. Moreover, since Germany was Britain's second largest trading partner, and too much weakening of Germany's economy would also hurt the British economy, the French proposals became more and more in conflict with British interests, and even became more and more in conflict with British interests.
Germany has already guessed through the hearts of Britain and the United States, and they are polite and humble without arguing or arguing, because they know that the future world cannot lack Germany's participation, that American hegemony cannot be without helpers, and that Germany's position is just right for the United States to shield the Red Soviet Union from being impregnated. As long as Germany helped Wilson to advocate his so-called "14-point program," Germany would be able to win without making a big move. However, Germany also has its own bottom line, and Stresemann made it very clear in Adrian's tone: "Distinguished Heads of State, at this meeting, on behalf of the Honorable Erik of the Federal States of Germany? His Excellency President Adrian conveyed the following message to you; First, the land of Germany was left by their ancestors and could not be ceded to an inch, and for this reason, the Germans were willing to return to the battlefield at any cost. Second, overseas colonies can be exchanged, but not unconditionally. Thirdly, we agreed to limited war reparations, but Germany is now very poor, which is obvious to all, and we must first develop the economy before we can pay reparations year by year. ”
Neither lightly nor heavily did Stresemann's words, and there was silence in the conference hall. Lloyd's? George looked at U.S. President Wilson and said nothing more.
At this point, Wilson was particularly obsessed with the idea of a League of Nations, not only because of its relevance to his political reputation and historical position, but also because he saw it as a fundamental plan and a necessary way to replace Britain and France in world domination. Therefore, in his first speech at the Paris Peace Conference, he proposed that priority should be given to discussing the issue of the League of Nations Treaty, stressing that the League of Nations Treaty and the peace talks with Germany should become a unified and inseparable whole and be binding on any country. But Britain and France were not interested in this, much to Wilson's displeasure, and angrily stated that he would withdraw from the conference if he did not first confirm the alliance treaty.
Seasoned and slick Lloyd's? George retorted: "Only God knows when the complicated process of making a covenant of alliance will be completed." ”
Wilson replied: "As long as there is no deliberate trouble, the work of the committee can be completed in 10 days." "The American threat worked, and Britain and France had to back down.
As Wilson said, after a series of intense consultations, the special committee finally worked out a draft of the League of Nations Treaty on 13 February, as scheduled. On 14 February, Wilson reported the draft to the plenary in a solemn atmosphere, and it was unanimously adopted, and in the first round of the struggle, Wilson narrowly prevailed.
Wilson's dream has been initially realized, and the Berlin peace talks must continue, what French Prime Minister Clemenceau wants is always opposed by Britain one by one, but France is willing to risk being defeated by Germany again and also wants to return its lost territory of Lorraine, Lloyd? George no longer objected to this demand, and US President Wilson did not object to it and did not express support. This time, Stresemann was firmly opposed on behalf of Germany, and President Eric's demands were clear, and there was no room for negotiation on the national territory. Colonies can be exchanged, but not cededed. He also resolutely supported the 14-point program put forward by US President Wilson in order to dispel the contradictions between Britain and the United States.
France wanted not only Lorraine, but also the Saarland, and Germany not to have troops west of the Rhine. Again it was resolutely opposed by Stresemann, and Britain did not agree. At this moment, US President Wilson began to play the role of world leader, still remaining neutral and not helping each other.
The United States earned very rich funds in World War I, and at the same time established a powerful three-armed system, which can be said to be a dominant country in the world and become the current unshakable hegemon, which is no doubt that according to Eric's vision, Germany can fully support the hegemony of the United States, and let the Americans become a strong help for Germany in this peace talks, so as to achieve a friendly relationship between Germany and the United States, and compete with Britain and France, which is undoubtedly a wonderful good way. Only in this way can the United States be shown as the center of the world, and the shadow of Germany in the First World War will gradually dissipate, so that it can calm down and do a good job in political, economic, and diplomatic construction, so that Germany can get a better rest.