World War I: Impact, Treaties, and the League of Nations

Consequences of World War I

Demographic and Economic Effects

The loss of life was high, nearly 8 million people died. One must also take into account mortality from lack of food, poor hygiene, and the influenza epidemic of 1918. Mobilization primarily affected men between 20 and 40. This meant the permanent loss of European hegemony in the global economy. The conflict impoverished many countries. All countries involved were in debt. America was the biggest beneficiary of the war; the American economy became the world leader, and its gross domestic product doubled. In addition, the U.S. fleet replaced Britain's. The dollar replaced the pound sterling as the base currency internationally. The war also benefited Japan, increasing its production to meet European orders for firepower.

Political and Territorial Implications

There was a dismemberment of the great empires, leading to the emergence of new states. There were also significant political changes. The traditional dynasties of the great empires were dethroned. Democracy was gaining ground. Some states proclaimed democratic constitutional republics. Universal male suffrage was introduced in most of Europe, but more important was the recognition of women's suffrage.

Social Change

The war disrupted the social fabric of many countries. Newly rich families emerged who had benefited from the business of war and, at the end of the conflict, boasted of their economic power to people in need. Poverty mostly affected fixed-income holders and employees. European colonial hegemony began to be questioned. Many colonized people expected a better situation. The war gave women a new role in society. Their clothes became shorter and more comfortable, they could drive cars, and they could speak more freely.

Peace Treaties

Wilson's 14 Points

U.S. President Wilson wanted to impose a peace based on law, respect for nationalities, the destruction of empires, and the consolidation of democracy. He was more generous in victory and wanted to avoid imposing harsh compensation. Key points included:

• All peace treaties should be public and not secret.
• Freedom of navigation in the seas outside territorial waters.
• Elimination of all economic barriers.
• Mutual guarantees to reduce the armament of each country.
• Renunciation of all possible colonial claims.
• Reparation of the injustice done by Prussia in 1871.
• Nationhood and mutual security for the political independence and territorial integrity of nations, large and small.

Treaty of Paris

The most important treaty was that of Versailles, which determined the fate of Germany. This agreement was designed on the basis that Germany was responsible for the conflict. The German Empire surrendered Alsace and Lorraine to France and Poznan to Poland. Germany was forced to pay heavy war reparations to compensate for the destruction in the victorious countries. It had to deliver the coal mines of the Saar to France. It was forced to abolish military service and to restrict the strength of its army to 100,000 men only. Other treaties dealt with the rest of the vanquished. Austria lost all Slavic territories and became a republic.

The League of Nations

The foundation was created for a new organization, the League of Nations, which was to guarantee peace in the future and foster collaboration and international cooperation. The headquarters of this institution was set in Geneva, and it was established with two agencies: the General Assembly and a Council. The League of Nations was charged with monitoring compliance with treaties, ensuring disarmament, and protecting national minorities.