League Of Nations

            Propaganda, idealism, and nationalism as well as the insistent preaching of President Wilson had transformed the first World War into "an end to all wars". The brutal and controversial termination of the war was the Versailles Treaty. In reality, the treaty contradicted many of Wilson's beliefs. The treaty also went against the intensely popular feelings of sympathy and paternalism that characterized goals for Germany. It soon became increasingly obvious that the Allies were seeking revenge; Germany was destined to be crippled economically and socially by its enemies. President Wilson was adamantly against various aspects of the Treaty, much of which violated his idealistic Fourteen Points, yet he strongly championed his model international organization, the League of Nations. He was convinced the new world union would be able to promote peace. It was met with strong opposition by many Americans; at the root of their rejection was fear of further intervention in international affairs and compassion for the beaten Germany. In the end, President Wilson's efforts to justify the Versailles Treaty and, more importantly, endear Americans to the idea of a League of Nations, failed; the Versailles Treaty was rejected due to strong (and justifiable).