Origins WWII OPVLs

3.1 Clemenceau outlines the French position towards Germany at the Paris Peace Conference This report stems from the discussions between the French and the Americans about the punishments to be put on the Germans at the “Council of Four” meeting. The purpose of this document is to report the French position towards Germany at this conference. The larger purpose of this document is to persuade readers that the Council was doing their best to be fair to Germany, even though they were worried that the Germans would not agree to any reparations. This documents is valuable because it was written by Clemenceau, the French representative present at the Council of Four. This document is limited because there is no historical perspective, and Clemenceau is representing and reporting on behalf of his own country, so there may be bias so that he will look good. 3.4 Reparations against Germany: an American view This document is the opinion of an American delegate that attended the Paris Peace Conference. The purpose of this document is to provide an American view of the Treaty and the reparations. The larger purpose of this document is to provide a specific example of the general position that the Paris Peace Conference contributed worldwide turmoil after the war. This document is valuable because it was written by a man who attended the Paris Peace Conference. It is even more valuable because this man was able to provide historical perspective on this event. This document is limited, though, because is the opinion of one man, from one specific country and he make assumptions about German psychology.