Paris 1919

The script opens with the backdrop of the Paris Peace Conference following the end of the Great War. World leaders gather in Paris to negotiate peace, with the absence of a peace treaty and ongoing smaller conflicts. The British delegation, including Harold Nicolson, anticipates the arrival of Woodrow Wilson, the President of the United States, who is seen as a beacon of hope. Wilson envisions a League of Nations to prevent future wars and promote everlasting peace, inspiring the world with his leadership. The script also touches on the harsh sentiments towards Germany and the challenges of creating a fair peace treaty amidst the desire for retribution.

This paragraph delves into the post-war atmosphere, where Germany feels it has not been defeated but rather signed an armistice. The French, however, are mourning their dead, many of whom remain unidentifiable. The Paris Peace Conference is a bustling event with politicians, diplomats, and various other individuals converging on the city. Georges Clemenceau, the Prime Minister of France, is determined to hold Germany accountable for the war, while Wilson continues to advocate for his League of Nations. The conference is set to be a world government in miniature, with significant decisions being made that will impact the globe.

The narrative focuses on the Supreme Council, composed of the leaders of the major powers, who are tasked with deciding the fate of Germany and the post-war world. The issue of German guilt and reparations is a central topic, with leaders like Clemenceau and Lloyd George pushing for significant compensation from Germany. The council also grapples with the question of how to ensure future peace, with the League of Nations being a key component of the discussions. There is tension between the idealism of the League and the harsh realities of punishing Germany for the war.

The script highlights the aspirations of various nations and leaders during the peace talks. Smaller countries seek support and recognition, while larger powers have their own agendas. Australia, for instance, wants to secure New Guinea, and Italy has its eyes on territories like Fiume and Dalmatia. There is also a focus on the struggles of individuals like Eleftherios Venizelos, the Prime Minister of Greece, and Emir Faisal, who is seeking a homeland for Arabs. The paragraph underscores the complex interplay of global desires and national interests at the conference.

This section of the script addresses the human cost of the war, with the destruction in France being particularly highlighted. The economic repercussions are also significant, with John Maynard Keynes setting up the British reparations committee to assess the damage and determine what Germany should pay. The complexity of putting a monetary value on the loss of life and destruction is underscored, as is the ongoing blockade against Germany, which is causing widespread starvation.

The script presents a vivid picture of the struggle for peace, with Wilson's idealism being tested by the harsh realities of international politics. There are numerous challenges, including the secret Italian treaty and the disarmament discussions led by General Spears. The young idealists in Paris, many of whom are from Harvard, are eager for a new world order, but they are faced with the grim realities of the peace talks. The paragraph also touches on the issue of German guilt and the difficulty of reaching a fair and lasting peace.

The focus shifts to the drafting of the peace treaty and the anxious wait for the German delegation. The Germans are concerned about how they will be portrayed and what the treaty will demand of them. There is a sense of foreboding as the Allies discuss the terms of the treaty and the potential for a resurgence of German power. The script also highlights the personal dynamics among the leaders, with Wilson proving to be a quick study in the art of compromise.

The script details the efforts to establish the League of Nations, with Wilson using America's economic influence to achieve his goal. Despite his dislike for bargaining, he is willing to compromise for the sake of the League. The conference reaches a critical point as the League Covenant is finalized, and a toast is made to celebrate Wilson's vision. However, the League's future is uncertain, with opposition growing in America and the peace conference itself in jeopardy.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with an assassination attempt on Georges Clemenceau. The incident leaves him with a bullet lodged near his spinal cord, intensifying the security measures in Paris. The assassination attempt is believed to be carried out by a French anarchist, highlighting the political unrest of the time. The event deeply affects Wilson, who is shaken by the news while in New York.

The script discusses the challenges faced by the Big Four—leaders who were successful wartime figures but now find peacemaking more difficult than war. The German delegation is preparing to surrender, with conditions that are total and definitive. The terms include the surrender of German colonies, the navy, and a significant portion of the merchant fleet. The German representatives are monitored closely, and their every action is scrutinized.

The economic struggles of the post-war period are highlighted, with Germany expected to pay substantial reparations. The exact amount is yet to be determined, but it is clear that it will be a significant sum. The script also touches on the economic boom that America experienced during the war and the anticipation of repayment from the loans provided to the Allies.

The German delegation arrives in Paris, bringing with them documents to prove that Germany was not solely responsible for starting the war. They are isolated upon arrival, with their hotel becoming their headquarters. The Germans are paranoid about surveillance, and their suspicions are confirmed when they realize their conversations are being listened to.

The script concludes with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which officially marks the end of the Great War. However, the treaty leaves a bitter legacy, with Germany feeling humiliated and the West feeling that the harsh terms may not bring lasting peace. The treaty's impact is far-reaching, with repercussions that will be felt for years to come. The script ends on a reflective note, pondering the eternal inadequacy of human intelligence in the face of such complex challenges.