Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World

World War I ended with an inconclusive result. Basically the Germans lost because they were exhausted. France was in ruins. Germany was never invaded.
The "Big Four" sat around the conference table to divvy up Europe and the Near East and we have lived with the results ever since.
This book details the events that took place in Paris in 1919. Woodrow Wilson, who was already ill, was obsessed with his 14 points. However, those points did not always fit what the big powers saw as their national interest. Compromises were made and we are still living with the results--for example the borders in the Middle East which often have more to do with the French and the British than they do to where the ethnic groups actually live. Think about Iraq: It's a mishmosh of groups. Then there is Turkey, whose borders resulted from events on the ground (as in Ataturk).
This is a well written book that will interest any history nut. It should appeal to a larger audience, however, due to the current interest in events in the Middle East and the continuing turmoil in the Balkans. After all, it was the turmoil in the Balkans that began World War I. Somethings never change.

Fascinating book about the creation of countries and borders by the Great Powers. Macmillan discusses the history and also brings the story up-to-date with more current events. She organizes the story by "country" or "nation" that came to Paris and made the case for independence, inspired by President Wilson's Fourteen Points.

Gained a comprehensive view of World War I from reading PARIS 1919 along with LAWRENCE IN ARABIA and Margaret Macmillan's THE WAR THAT ENDED PEACE. Riveting story telling that commands the reader's attention and shows how history is the result of the actions of imperfect humans, not superheroes.

While it is generally lumped in with other books about World War I, Paris: 1919 is solely concerned with the Paris Peace Conference after the war. As such, there is very little discussion about the events of the war itself, and the reader would be advised to be familiar with those events before reading this book. As an analysis of the events of the Peace Conference itself, it is brilliant and extremely detailed. Other reviewers have criticized the somewhat gossipy details about the personal lives of the main participants; however, I felt that this was useful in giving the reader a more detailed picture of what these people were actually like. We tend to forget that it wasn't that long ago that most of the information sources we take for granted today (the news media, television, the Internet) didn't exist. News traveled slowly and was frequently inaccurate.

If the world of the early 20th century was primitive technologically by today's standards, it was also primitive politically. Traveling through Europe today, it is inconceivable that such things could have happened such a relatively short time ago. To me, the greatest strength of the book was the underlying theme that in their rush to determine how to properly punish Germany, the Allied Powers gave only scant attention to the host of other nations who were affected by the outcome of the war. The "other nations" described in the book reads like a Who's Who of world trouble spots in the years after World War II: Yugoslavia, Iraq and the Middle East receive the most attention. However, even Korea and Vietnam were represented at the conference, only to have their delegations and their issues ignored by countries that would have to fight costly wars there decades later.

The greatest strength of the book is that, because it was written so many years after 1919, it is able to draw connections between these (at the time) seemingly minor issues and the numerous wars and unrest that followed many years later. MacMillan hammers away at the theme that, while the conference ended one war, it ultimately led to the start of many others around the world. Nonetheless, she also concludes that the popular notion that the Treaty of Versailles led directly to the rise of Nazi Germany and World War II is a gross oversimplification. Many other issues, including political instability in Germany after WWI and the effects of the Great Depression contributed to the Second World War.
Another thing that struck me about the events described in this book is how the political leaders of the Great Powers were individually quite ignorant about not only basic geography, but also the culture and values of the countries whose fates they were deciding. Unfortunately, the diplomats and soldiers from their own countries who had this knowledge were often ignored. One cannot help but see an eerie parallel with the events of today's world, especially the current war in Iraq.

Overall, this is a great book and an important one to read if you would like to understand a little more clearly how the events of 90 years ago are still affecting the world today. Quite frankly, this book could not have been written 50 or 60 years ago. If it had been, it would have only dealt with the effects the Treaty had on Germany and how it led to World War II. It would have completely missed all the issues that have occurred since then, such as the Arab-Israeli conflict and the breakup of Yugoslavia into the various proto-countries from which it was formed. Also, the book is a lot more enjoyable and readable than one would expect from a book which deals mostly with meetings and discussions among the numerous participants. Highly recommended.

it is an excellent description of events that influences the whole 20th century, including our times now. Not only events, also persons, that mistook their ambitions as salvation of the world. Minorities were neglected - and consequently they still are, some states were destroyed, other unjustly pardoned (Turkey)
I can only recommend: read this book, learn as much for application in our times

A very readable and well studied history of the events and personalities. A very good description of the persons involved and their respective influences. Also, a good follow up of each decision on where we are today.

Fascinating history, well written. It takes the reader back in time to understand the events at the closure of Worl War 1. The reader learns the story behind the Armistice and the Treaty Of Versailles which set the stage for the chaos in Germany in the 1920's and the rise of Hitler and Nazi-ism.

Thoroughly entertaining story about a time when political players elevated themselves to the stature of Caesars and tried to remake the world. Margaret Macmillan takes you inside and gives you a front row seat to what transpires as the tragic beginning to WW2, and the slow, unhalting disintegration of western societies.

A recent work which is becoming a modern classic. MacMillan covers the entire Paris Peace conference with special emphasis on the actions of the 'Big Three', Lloyd-George, Wilson, and Clemenceau. She deftly illustrates the many conflicting issues facing the world leaders in their search for peace and postwar stability and argues against the scorn, which many have placed, on the treaties.

"Paris 1919" by Margaret MacMillan is a true classic masterpiece. It tells the story of what really happened in 1919 when Europe was divided by and between the four powers. That division and economic burden on Germany left an opening for the rise of a demigod and set in motion the atrocities of World War II.

To truly understand the significance of this magnificent book you would have to go back to the assassination in Sarajevo of Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.

A further resource can be found in three books written by The Rev. Henry A. Fischer and available at the store.com. They are "Children of the Danube"
" The Pioneers" and "Strangers and Sojourners". These three books deal with the settlement of the Austria - Hungary empire and the Balkan states beginning about 1720 and their expulsion back to their homeland during and after World War II.

These four books should be read by all immigrants who migrated to the new world during that period of time. As Henry puts it so well "Tell the Children" what happened to their ancestors as the result of the division and devastation of the wars.

Johann Zart nee Kehl
from Hrastovac

This was a truly marvelous work. Ms. McMillian presented an astonishing amount of information but it was done in such a way that I never felt overloaded. She masterfully presented the peace conference in all its complexities, nuances and intrigues but in a manageable way. The book was absolutely fascinating both in showing how the conference affected European history from 1919-1939 and how it still has effects today in other parts of the world, most notably the Middle East. She does an excellent job covering not only the negotiations between the Allies and big powers like Germany and Austria-Hungary, but also negotations involving Europe's smaller countries like Rumania and Bulgaria.

She also ably rubbishes myths, showing, for example, that reparations were not as damaging to Germany as popular history has it. A long read but worth every minute.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many current events came into sharper focus. I also found insights into how human personalities and national interest play a part in international relations in a way that reminds me of human interactions at home and in the workplace. It was an enriching book.

So much detail, every country involved gets a chapter, all the intrigues, passion and historical enmity brought together in this wonderful book, a must for anyone interested in World War One and it's implications for the world today.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many current events came into sharper focus. I also found insights into how human personalities and national interest play a part in international relations in a way that reminds me of human interactions at home and in the workplace. It was an enriching book.

So much detail, every country involved gets a chapter, all the intrigues, passion and historical enmity brought together in this wonderful book, a must for anyone interested in World War One and it's implications for the world today.

Great book. Gives a better understanding of the key people and countries involved in the forming of the treaty. I would recommend to anyone interested in understanding the results of ww1 and it's potential impact on Ww2

Wilson, Lloyd-George and Clemanseux on their hands and knees redrawing the boundaries of Europe, Africa and the middle east sounds like a bit from a Marx Brothers movie. No wonder the world is still so screwed up.

I was looking for information on Pres. Wilson and I found this book. This book includes much about Wilson but primarily provides information about the 1st WW, Wilsons part in it, and how the world was shaped at it's conclusion. It is well researched, well written and very informative.

With this book I suddenly understand what happened the decades after the peace in a much more thorough way. This book opens doors to understanding the events between the wars and what made WW2 possible and even likely. It is at the same time easy to read and includes many fun anecdotes from events and personalities of the time. Great reading.

Read "Lawrence in Arabia" which referenced Paris 1919. Based on my previous readings I wanted to read more in this area. It's an excellent resource for the fallout of this period and what we are living through all these years later.

A vivid report of how human foolishness can be disastrous, this book shows the four most powerful men in the world of 1919, ignoring how devastated their own countries emerged from the Great War, but proclaiming 14 points of Wilson's principles and deciding almost always against them.
The author shows how they did this not from dumbness, but out of a split between their minds and hearts. They sincerely pursued "self determination of peoples" (as Wilson would say); they were restrained, though, by their persistent prejudice against cultures other than their own, that was the foundation of colonialism.
Well written and based on a huge research, it loses just one star, in my opinion, for losing rhythm in one or another sections.

A detail of the Paris peace negotiations at the end of World War I and the far reaching effects of these negotiations even on todays geography, this book is truly a must read for anyone interested in the 'how we got here' of the middle east, the League of Nations, and even the causes of the second World War.

a brilliant exposition and a detailed description of how the 1919 Peace conference was involved in drawing the numerous different national boundaries that arose in Europe after world war 1. Also interesting info on the personalities involved; sheds a different light on Woodrow Wilson than that described by John Maynard Keynes.

Also highly recommended:

there is one CD set in either of the 2 series, Modern Scholar or Portable Professor in which one can actually hear Margaret MacMillan discuss, in a more informal and off hand manor, of what is in the book.

The leading title of the CD's is

"Six Months That changed the World"

Macmillan's voice is crisp and clear and her insights fascinating. If you enjoyed the book you will definitly enjoy the CD's

Though I agree with most reviews; what I came away with most is the interaction of the various countries: their demands, their weaving diplomacies, their fears, greed, etc. Many expected another conflict in the not too distant future. The apparent lack of geographic knowledge the principals had; yet had the temerity to know where the borders, boundaries, and peoples should live was disquieting. The tragedy of the war should have been SHOWN TO THE WHOLE OF GERMAN PEOPLE IN ENOUGH DETAIL FOR THEM TO APPRECIATED WHAT WAS WROUGHT ON FRANCE & BRITAIN & OTHERS!

Author/Historian Margaret MacMillan has more than a passing reason to be interested in the Versailles peace process. She is the great-granddaughter of British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, leader of the British delegation. Obviously, this would raise the question of MacMillan's impartiality. As I read this book, I kept that in mind.

As MacMillan developed each of the characters of the book, I initially found no evidence of partiality. She made note of Lloyd George's trouble with Geography, his womanizing, and his often self-serving and politically-motivated negotiation. The term land-grabber was mentioned. Author MacMillan built interest in the Peace Conference with her skillful development of each character - the arrogant and idealistic Woodrow Wilson; the sarcastic and greedy French Premier Georges Clemenceau; the emotional, gesticulating Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando.

The book starts by discussing the worldwide hope and excitement generated as Wilson arrived in Europe with his Fourteen Points. Nationalists throughout Europe, Asia and Africa held out hope that the Peacemakers would recognize their right to self-determination, and grant them their own countries and freedom. But as the author points out, Wilson had first to compromise with remainder of "The Council of Four". Each had his own economic and national security interests to address, and his constituencies at home to please. In return for joining the Allies, Italy had been promised ports on the East shore of the Adriatic (violating Slavic self-determination); France wanted to deeply punish the Germans, and to ensure Germany would no longer have the ability to invade France; Britain wanted the German colonies, the German Navy, and a substantial share of German reparations; Wilson wanted his dream of the League of Nations, and to protect the Monroe Doctrine (in defiance of his own principle of self-determination). Constituencies in Britain and especially in France wanted their revenge. The press in all four countries criticized any softness in their negotiators, and threatened the political survival of each.

The Author concludes that the popular notion that the Versailles Treaty is solely responsible for the outbreak of WWII is not completely true. She makes the case that although Hitler ranted of the Treaty's unfairness, the Germans paid but a fraction of the demanded reparations, and the outbreak of war was just a continuation of extended European history. These points are certainly worthy of support. MacMillan also noted that once the Treaty was complete, Lloyd George, under pressure from his delegation, spoke in favor of reducing the Treaty's severity to Germany. She noted Clemenceau's greed and Wilson's lack of resolve in the face of the other peacemakers in refusing Lloyd George's pleas. It was the one time in the book I was open to her possible bias in favor of her great grandfather. Regardless, the entirety of the book is written in an objective and non-partisan fashion, and well worth the time to read it.