The Attitude Of The British Public Was The MAIN Reason Why Britain's Government Were Reluctant To Commit Themselves To The Versailles Agreement. How Far Do You Agree?
The Attitude Of The British Public Was The MAIN Reason Why Britain's Government Were Reluctant To Commit Themselves To The Versailles Agreement. How Far Do You Agree?
The three main powers organising the Treaty of Versailles were Britain, France and the USA, also known as the 'big three'. Being in the major contributors they got a lot of the requests they made to be added into the treaty, not all but more than other countries would have received. It is generally unfair to say that the British public considered the treaty to be too lenient on the Germans, as many thought it was also too harsh, but generally speaking they were not happy with what was agreed. Those looking back a few years after considered the treaty to have been too harsh, but at the time a majority did feel that Germany should feel more punished. We also need to consider whether we are referring to the British general public, or the media as it played a very influential role on society. The Times newspaper for one, expressed their opinions very strongly. The general consensus at the time indicated that Britain's public thought more should have been done to avenge those lost in the war. It is evident that some people did agree that the treaty of Versailles was too harsh. When the German's decided to re-militarise the Rhineland, there was no opposition from Britain. Some even said it was Germany:
'Simply walking into their own back yard'.
Not everyone agreed with Lloyd George's point of view:
'We must not allow any sense of revenge, any spirit of greed, any grasping desire to override the principal of righteousness.' (1)
The attitude of the British public would have played a very major role in Lloyd George's approach to the Treaty of Versailles, but it would not have been the deciding factor, just one of many.
The British public, as a generalised whole, assumed that the Treaty of Versailles would take a harsh approach to Germany ...
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'Simply walking into their own back yard'.
Not everyone agreed with Lloyd George's point of view:
'We must not allow any sense of revenge, any spirit of greed, any grasping desire to override the principal of righteousness.' (1)
The attitude of the British public would have played a very major role in Lloyd George's approach to the Treaty of Versailles, but it would not have been the deciding factor, just one of many.
The British public, as a generalised whole, assumed that the Treaty of Versailles would take a harsh approach to Germany to avenge those lost in the war and the costs Britain had spent throughout the war. This was taken into account:
Germany was expected to pay 'to the limit of her own capacity' (Lloyd George, 1918 election)
They had undergone years of fighting and losing husbands, brothers, fathers, children and felt that Germany should pay for this. This was the first major war Britain had been involved with on this scale and was shocked at the tragedy. Although, they did not wish the same harsh treatment as the French did. It is unfair to assume that all of the British public wanted Germany to be severely punished; some did see the long-term benefits of trying to maintain a stable German economy and not creating resentment.
Not only did the public have conflicting opinions, politicians also had their own ideas on the best advancement Britain could make towards the Treaty of Versailles. The conservatives wanted greatly to punish Germany and collect repayment for all they lost. The liberals on the other hand thought a more lenient approach was more appropriate for the repercussions that could follow. One particular politician who opposed Lloyd's choices was Sir Eric Geddes; he spoke openly about his views on how the situation should be handled:
'Germany is going to pay...I will personally have no doubt that we will get everything out of her that you can squeeze out of a lemon and a bit more' (2)
Britain was also undergoing problems with the British Empire and some politicians thought that Britain's power and money could be best-used focusing on strengthening the already existing Empire, which was struggling. Lloyd George was required to consider the opinions of all politicians in his cabinet as they do have a major effect on the way the country perceives things. He needed to have his politicians on his side for the country to appear strong to other countries.
The League of Nations was a new idea under the influence of America, unfortunately Wilson did not gain the support he needed, and thought he would receive to enter into the League of Nations. This left a very powerful idea, not so powerful. It was initially Wilson's suggestion, which was adopted by the two other 'big powers' as well as other countries. British parliament had their reservations on this idea though, as it would prove to be very costly and had a strong chance of not working; especially with the lack of backing from the strongest power in the world. Many people had their reservations and believed that the country's money could be used towards more important internal factors such as education and hospitals.
Britain really could not afford another war, which was a major worry for the prime minister. One wrong decision could have future repercussions leading to war or other unnecessary tensions between the countries. Lloyd George wanted to ensure that relations with Germany were kept as friendly as they could be within the circumstances, as this would continue the trade links, which Britain so badly needed to maintain. By carefully selecting which factors should enter the treaty of Versailles, Britain could maintain their relationships with Germany, France and the USA. This then caused a reluctance to enter the Treaty as Lloyd George had to be sure of what he was allowing Britain to enter into.
To conclude, the attitude of the British public was one, but not the main, reason for Lloyd George being so reluctant to enter into the Treaty of Versailles. There were many other factors in which he had to ponder, in order to ensure he was making the right decision for the country, which I have merely touched upon. He had to consider the opinions of fellow politicians, the general public, reactions of the media, other issues Britain was facing at the time and the actual clauses he would be subjecting Britain to. However, he did take the opinion of the public seriously as it was this group of people who would be deciding whether he was to remain in power. Without the support of the country, he had nothing, and he knew this and considered it when compromising deals with France and America.
FOOTNOTES:
(1)- Even MP Sir Eric Geddes opposed Lloyd George's views.
(2)- said in 1918.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Britain: Foreign and Imperial Affairs 1919-39 (Alan Falmer)
Peacemakers? The Treaty of Versailles article (Sarah Burnett)
