Demobilization and Negotiation

In the waning months of 1918, as the Great War drew to its close, the US faced the monumental task of demobilization.

Dec 04, 2024

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The Signing of the Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 1919 painted by William Orpen depicts the ceremonial signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The scene shows the ornate Hall of Mirrors with its gold details and crystal chandeliers. Multiple diplomats in formal black attire are gathered around a large table in the center of the grand room, while natural light streams in through tall windows. The painting captures the historical moment from a perspective that emphasizes both the grandeur of the setting and the solemnity of the occasion, with the figures appearing small within the vast, decorated space of the hall. — The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, image is public domain.

Wilson's Vision and the US's Reality

In the waning months of 1918, as the Great War drew to its close, the US faced the monumental task of demobilization. This process wasn't merely about bringing troops home, it represented a crucial transition that would shape both domestic and interna…

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