Important decisions by big three (UK, France, USA).

Problems from the start as Wilson was ill.

Supported by diplomats and experts but didn't take their advice.

Treaty of Versailles a model for the other treaties.

Mood in 1919 - strong feelings that Germany responsible for war and should be punished.

Economy bad in all countries so USA and UK wanted to gain as much as possible.

Ordinary people had shortages of food etc.

Politicians in victor countries knew that they could get support if they promised hard policies on Germanys.

Germany treated Russia badly in Brest-Litovsk so the allies used this as further evidence to punish Germany.

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