A Blog of the Great War Comes to a Close Many Thanks to Loyal Readers and Listeners Alike (July 1919) This is an appropriate moment to bring our blog on World War One to a close. We have been tracing the Great War and its aftermath week-by-week, since it broke out in July 1914. Our…
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EXTRA, EXTRA! THE GERMANS CAPITULATE
by Mike Shuster
Reluctantly They Sign the Treaty Paris Celebrates. In Berlin, The Terrible Cold of Abandonment. (28 June) In Germany by these days a century ago, the political situation is chaotic. So reports historian Margaret Macmillan. “The coalition government was deeply divided over whether to sign the treaty. Political leaders in the west along the Allied invasion…
THE GERMANS IN SHOCK
by Mike Shuster
Stab in the Back. ‘There Will Be Intense Bitterness, Hate, and Desperation’ Down to the Last Three Days. Are the Allies Bluffing? Special to The Great War Project (1 June) The Germans get their version of the peace treaty in May a century ago, and they are shocked. Here are just a few of the…
AMERICAN TROOPS IN ASIA?
by Mike Shuster
It’s a Noble Duty, Not a Chance. Meanwhile, Mood Worsens in Paris. Special to The Great War Project. (1 June) In mid-March a century ago, President Wilson’s closest adviser, Colonel House, assures the other Allied leaders that the United States “would undoubtedly take a mandate.” Privately the belief takes hold that the Americans are seriously…
WHO WILL SAVE ARMENIA?
by Mike Shuster
Is Wilson Prepared to Act? Help Just Too Far Away Special to The Great War Project. (30 May) More trouble determining the fate of the Ottoman Empire. Many at the Paris Peace talks – especially British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and members of the British delegation – are looking to President Wilson to turn…
THE FATE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
by Mike Shuster
What To Do with its Myriad Peoples? Who Will Pay for It All? Is the U.S. the Answer? Questions Abound. Far away from the peace negotiations in Paris, at the southeast tip of Europe, another great city is lamenting the past and thinking uneasily about the future. So reports historian Margaret Macmillan. “Byzantium to the…
EXTRA EXTRA: THE GERMANS SIGN
by Mike Shuster
Double Cross at Scapa Flow Berlin Concludes Resistance is Futile. Wilson Takes Charge Special to The Great War Project President Wilson digs in his heals. He will make no changes in the draft treaty, despite pressure from a growing number of delegates to do so. So reports historian Thomas Fleming. And when the British PM…
CRACKS IN THE ALLIED SIDE
by Mike Shuster
Endless Threat of Starvation or Justice for the Dead. The Ultimatum: Sign or the War Starts Anew. Special to The Great War Project. (10 May) The German response to the proposed peace treaty has grown to more than 20,000 words. It puts some cracks into the unanimity of the Allied powers. According to historian Thomas…
BRITAIN THREATENS TO REIMPOSE BLOCKADE
by Mike Shuster
Children Will Suffer. But It’s Alright, They’re German. Many Are Appalled. Special to The Great War Project. (10 May) At Versailles the Germans continue to work hard to provide the Allies with a response to the treaty. So reports historian Thomas Fleming. They are deeply divided over what approach to take. The German foreign minister…
THIS IS NOT PEACE!
by Mike Shuster
Liberals in America Flee Wilson, Shocked By Treaty. Can Germany Survive? Special to The Great War Project. (20 May) The Germans rush a copy of the translated treaty to Berlin, according to historian Thomas Fleming’s account of these days a century ago. “Over night,” he reports, “Wilson went from the most admired to the most…