Which Nation Defied Versailles: Crafting Their Own 1921 Peace With Germany

The United States, specifically the Senate, declined to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, which resulted in the country abstaining from becoming a member of the League of Nations. However, the Senate did give its approval for the ratification of individual peace treaties with Germany, Austria, and Hungary. This meant that while the U.S. engaged in separate agreements with these nations, it chose not to be formally bound by the provisions outlined in the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

In spite of President Woodrow Wilson’s tireless advocacy, which included a nationwide speaking tour, the United States Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles not once, but twice, first in 1919 and again in 1920. Consequently, the United States chose a distinct path towards peace by negotiating an independent treaty with Germany in 1921. It’s worth noting that, unlike many other nations, the United States opted not to become a member of the League of Nations during this time. This decision, taken on October 7, 2019, held significant implications for the nation’s foreign policy at the time.

Germany was the country that did not negotiate the Treaty of Versailles. When the Treaty negotiations were taking place, Germany refused to sign the agreement. In response to Germany’s refusal, on 17 June, the Allied powers issued an ultimatum, giving Germany a five-day deadline to either accept the terms of the Treaty or face the possibility of the war resuming. This pivotal moment in history marked a critical juncture in the aftermath of World War I, where the fate of Germany hung in the balance, ultimately shaping the course of the post-war era.