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One reason was politics. US President Woodrow Wilson was a Democrat. Less that a week before the Armistice ended the fighting in WWI, the US held its mid-term elections for 1918, and the Republican Party gained control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The party which is out of the White House usually picks up seats in Congress in the mid-term elections, then and now. Wilson had been reelected in 1916 with the slogan "He Kept Us Out of The War", but less than two weeks after being sworn in for his second term, asked Congress to declare war, and so got us into the war. Wilson put his whole soul into trying to shape the peace after the war. He spent months in France negotiating the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, arguing that his "Fourteen Points" should be the basis of the peace terms. In the end he was able to convince the other Treaty negotiators from the other countries to accept only one of his Fourteen Points - the League of Nations. Back home Congressional Republicans were not inclined to give Wilson anything he wanted, much like the Republican House of Representatives (control of which the Democrats lost in the last mid-term election in 2010) will not agree to anything the current Democratic president wants. So, if Wilson wanted the US to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and join the League of Nations, there was absolutely no way they were going to do either.

The other reason was philosophical. Throughout its history the US had been isolationist, safe and secure behind its massive moat of two wide oceans. The people of the US focused their attention on internal matters, and did not want to involve themselves in the affairs of other countries. George Washington had warned the American people to "Beware of Entangling Foreign Alliances", and they had taken that to heart. Many Americans (or their ancestors) had immigrated to America precisely to get away from the incessant squabbling and warfare of Europe. Before WWI the only departure from this strict non-intercourse approach to foreign affairs was the war with Spain in 1898. But, that was a short war, only four months long, and ended well. So WWI was really America's debut on the international scene. And the people of the US were appalled and disillusioned over the experience. They were aghast at the greedy behavior of our wartime allies at Versailles, and wanted to go back to the old ways, as soon as possible, and leave the rest of the world to take care of themselves.

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Which branch of government has the power to ratify treaties?

That body is the United States Senate. Treaty ratification takes a super majority vote of 2/3.


WHY DID U.S. CONGRESS REFUSE TO RATIFY THE TREATY ENDING World War 1?

The U.S. Congress refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles primarily due to concerns over the League of Nations, which many senators believed would entangle the United States in foreign conflicts and undermine national sovereignty. Additionally, isolationist sentiment was strong in the post-war period, with many lawmakers advocating for a return to a policy of non-intervention. Political divisions, particularly between President Woodrow Wilson and Senate Republicans, also played a significant role in the treaty's defeat. Ultimately, these factors combined to prevent ratification.


Why did the US Senate reject the Treaty of Versailles following world war 1?

The US Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles primarily due to concerns over the League of Nations, which many senators believed could entangle the United States in foreign conflicts and compromise its sovereignty. There was also significant political opposition from isolationists and some Republicans, particularly Henry Cabot Lodge, who advocated for amendments to the treaty. Ultimately, the lack of bipartisan support and differing views on international engagement led to the treaty's failure in the Senate.


Why did the US negotiate separate treaties after World War 1?

The United States did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles, therefore, a separate treaty between Germany and the United States was needed. The treaty brought the United States in a closer agreement, to the point where the United States actually assisted the Weimar Republic in meeting some of its obligations.


Which groups opposed the Versailles treaty of the US?

The U.S. Senate didn't like it and alot of Americans didn't like it either.

Related Questions

What wishes of Woodrow Wilson did the US Senate refuse to fulfill?

The U.S. Senate refused Woodrow Wilson's wishes of having, The League of Nations.


What president failed to get the senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles?

The president that failed to get the senate to ratify the Treaty of Versailles was Woodrow Wilson.


Did the Senate ratify the Treaty of Versailles?

NO


What fraction of the senate is needed to ratify a treaty that the president has made with a foreighn nation?

2/3 vote of the Senate is required to ratify a treaty.


When the senate rejected the treaty of Versailles at the end of the world war 1 it was?

Refusing to ratify a treaty. Answer B. on plato.


What percentage does it take to ratify a treaty in the senate?

majority


Why was the treaty of versallies called the treaty of versallies?

Because it was signed in a part of france called versallies.


What objections did the US Senate have with the treaty of Versallies?

The US Senate had several objections to the Treaty of Versailles, primarily centered around the League of Nations. Many senators were concerned that joining the League would entangle the United States in international conflicts and undermine its sovereignty. Additionally, there was resistance to the treaty's punitive measures against Germany, which some believed could lead to future instability. Ultimately, these concerns contributed to the Senate's refusal to ratify the treaty.


When did the senate ratify the Treaty of Paris?

(: 1900 :) luv ya!


Who has the power to ratify or approve a treaty made by the president?

The Senate.


When the senate rejects the treaty of Versailles at the end of the world war 1 it was?

refusing to ratify a treaty


When the Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War 1 it was .?

refusing to ratify a treaty