

147: Peacemaking in Paris: The Treaty of Versailles
Nov 20, 2023
Explore the intense emotional landscape of the German delegates during the Treaty of Versailles signing, illustrating their despair. Discover the geopolitical shifts post-World War I, with President Wilson's idealism clashing sharply against European leaders' punitive measures. Delve into the haunting tales of soldiers affected by mustard gas and the brewing political unrest. Uncover the fallout in the Middle East and reactions from major figures, revealing whether this peace truly laid to rest or sowed the seeds of future conflicts.
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Hitler's Alleged Gassing
- Corporal Adolf Hitler was among the gassed soldiers, but his blindness may have been psychological.
- Whether he lied about being gassed or not remains unknown.
1918 Midterm Elections
- Woodrow Wilson's Democrats controlled Congress, but Republicans aimed to gain Senate control for the upcoming peace talks.
- Despite Wilson's warnings, Republicans won both houses, impacting his position.
Conference Dynamics
- The Paris Peace Conference's Supreme Council, comprised of five major Allied powers, faced many competing priorities.
- Self-determination, a key principle, attracted interest from various global representatives.