America Turns Her Back on Europe

The Situation After the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was not a perfect document by any stretch of the imagination. The influence of the French on the treatment of Germany was very much evident. Yet, a number of successful points could lead to a more stable situation in Europe:

1. The idea of national self-determination allowed countries to exist on their own, not occupied by foreign powers. It was hoped that situations like in Serbia would not occur again as a spark to future wars.
2. Germany had been punished, but had not been destroyed or broken into smaller states. Several countries wanted Germany wiped out and returned to the many small states before Bismarck unified them.
3. The League of Nations was established along with several defensive alliances to limit future problems in Europe and the world.
   

The United States Rejects the Treaty of Versailles

The hard work of President Wilson during the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles was to be wasted. The American Congress, led by Senator Cabot Lodge, stated that changes must occur to the League of Nations agreement or they would not sign. They rejected the condition that stated, “All member states had to take collective action against aggression.” The only branch of the American government that can take action or declare war was Congress. Lodge thought that the President was taking away the right of Congress to declare war.

In addition, Congress refused to sign the defensive alliance he had promised France. This decision had implications in England as well. Once England heard that the United States was not going to support France, she withdrew her offer to the French as well. Wilson was crushed by these decisions and attempted to convince the branches of government and the American people of the importance of the treaty. Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a stroke that left him weak and limited in his ability to fight for his dream contained within the Fourteen Points.

Congress finally rejected the Treaty of Versailles and any deals with the French. They believed that the American people were not interested in the affairs of Europe. Furthermore, they did not want America involved in future wars that were not of direct interest to the United States. Thus, the United States returned to a policy of isolationism (just worrying about themselves and their own little empire), and turned her back on Europe and its politics.