Ineed , i dont understand this

is the "just peace" or the "peace of vengeance" a better policy? why?

wilson's proposals were largely ignored at the paris meetings. his hopes for a "just peace" with fair treatment of all nations met unexpected opposition from other allied leaders. they thought the central powers should be punished; and they wanted to divide, separate, and disarm the defeated powers. wilson believed that a just peace would prevent new hostilities, but his opponents believed only severe actions would prevent future german aggression.

the longer the meeting lasted, the more determined the supporters of a harsh peace became. although over thirty allied countries were represented, it was the four great powers--england, france, italy, and the united states--who made the major decisions. france, italy, and england all supported the "peace of vengeance" by demanding conquered territories and colonies from the central powers.

wilson realized his proposals would meet defeat. however, believing that his concept of a league of nations was vital to a lasting peace, he spent much time working on incorporating such a world organization into the peace treaty. the allied representatives unanimously accepted his efforts. the league of nations was established to manage international relations, to limit weapons build-up, and to settle disagreements between nations in a peaceful way.

thus, when the peace treaty was finalized, wilson signed it, hoping that the league of nations could resolve the difficulties of the treaty. in may 1919, representatives of the german government met to approve the treaty. the germans were bitterly disappointed because wilson's fourteen points had not been followed. with no alternative, the german representatives signed the treaty at the palace of versailles just outside paris, france, on june 18, 1919. the treaty became known as the treaty of versailles.

the germans were stunned by the terms of the treaty. alsace-lorraine was given to france, and other german colonies were divided among the victorious allies. germany itself was occupied by foreign troops. both the german army and navy were drastically reduced, leaving the country relatively defenseless. the lands of the other central powers--austria, hungary, bulgaria, and turkey--were also divided by the terms of the treaty.

consequently, the end of world war i resulted in the reshaping of the entire european continent. the harsh terms created bitter feelings among the defeated nations, feelings that would only resurface in the future.