"Let's retrace on a map a summary of WWI, the so-called "Great War". This video summarises the period since the rise of nationalism in the middle of the 19th century until the signing of peace treaties after 1918."
On the 19th of November 1919 the United States Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles, falling short of the two-third majority required to ratify.
The Treaty of Versailles (Traité de Versailles) marked the official end of the First World War and laid the foundation for the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at preventing future conflicts. For U.S. president Woodrow Wilson, the treaty was the embodiment of his idealistic vision for a more peaceful and just world. He believed that the League of Nations, which he had proposed, would provide a forum for nations to resolve disputes peacefully.
However, a major obstacle to the treaty's ratification was Wilson's strained working relationship with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, the influential chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Lodge, a prominent Republican, had fundamental disagreements with Wilson on key treaty provisions.
Article X of the Covenant of the League of Nations represented Wilson's unshakable belief in collective security. Lodge and his Republican counterparts, however, saw it as a threat to American sovereignty. Republicans preferred unilateral action, asserting that America should independently determine its involvement in global conflicts. Wilson was aiming for international cooperation, but many Republicans prioritized safeguarding American interests.
Wilson embarked on a nationwide tour to secure public support for the treaty, but his efforts were in vain. Lodge and Senate Republicans proposed amendments and, on November 19, 1919 the Senate voted down the Treaty of Versailles by 55 in favour to 39, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. It was the first time the Senate had rejected a peace treaty.
The rejection had profound consequences. While it signalled a definitive adoption of isolationism in American foreign policy, the absence of the United States from the League of Nations undermined the organisation's effectiveness from the outset.
Imperialismw The policy of extending the rule over other peoples and countries, often through the use of hard power and military force.
Monarchismw The advocacy of monarchical rule or monarchy as a form of government, led by a King or Queen for example.
Nazismw Also known as Nationalsocialism - A form of Fascism which holds the people/nation superior to the individual, also advocates anti-semitism, anti-communism and scientific racism.
Fascismw A form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of the society and economy.
Neofascismw A post-World War II ideology inspired by Fascsim. Usually advocates racial supremacy, populism and xenophobia.
Authoritarianismw Rejection of political plurality and democracy in favour of a strong central power to preserve the political status quo.
Populismw A range of political stances emphasising ¨the people¨ against ¨the elite¨, often viewed as having simplified politics with the aim of attracting more followers.
Nationalismw Promotion of a single national identity on the basis of a shared culture and history, it holds that each nation should govern itself, free from outside interference.
Conservatismw Aims for societal stability and continuity in the context of culture and civilization, achieved through the promotion and preservation of traditions, hierarchies, authority and property rights.
Christian Democracyw A combination of modern democratic ideas and traditional Christian values, often considered centre-right on cultural, social and moral issues, though centre-left economically.
Anti-Communismw A political movement or ideology chiefly opposed to communism and/or communist oppression
Localism (politics), (Fiscal Localism) w The policy of prioritizing the local. For example the local production and consumption of goods, local control of the government, and promotion of local history, culture and identity.
Liberalismw Liberalism advocates liberty for the individual and equality before the law, and generally also capitalism, democracy, secularism, gender equality and internationalism.
Libertarianismw Libertarianism seeks to maximize individual autonomy and political freedom from the state. The moral worth of the individual and liberty are its core principles.
Centrismw The political acceptance or support of a balance between the political left and the right, social equality and social hierarchy, while opposing significant shifts to either side.
Big tentw The policy of permitting or encouraging a broad spectrum of views as opposed to a single ideology.
Green politicsw Aims to foster an ecologically sustainable society rooted in environmentalism, nonviolence, social justice and grassroots democracy.
Agrarianismw Agrarianism is a philosophy which values rural society as superior to urban society and the independent farmer as superior to the paid worker.
Anticlericalismw Related to Secularism, aims to minimize religious authority in the public sector.
Revolutionary Democracyw The implementation of democracy in a previously non-democratic government through revolutionary means.
Socialismw A broad range of views characterised by social ownership of the means of production as well as the belief that what is best for the collective is best for the individual.
Communismw Communism aims to establish a classless and stateless society characterized by the common ownership of the means of production with free access to its products based on needs.
non-specific A political party or candidate which is not associated with any specific ideology.
