The French government was anxious to ensure that no German attack on France could ever occur again. German disarmament was seen as insufficient, as were extensive territorial losses and the demilitarized zone in the Rhineland. Once it was clear that her allies would not allow her to annex the Rhine area, the French insisted on protection from Britain and the USA in the event of fresh German aggression. What kind of treaty were they therefore seeking?

The peace treaty that was signed at Versailles in June 1919, bringing World War One to its close, was inevitably a compromise.  None of the major signatory powers was very pleased with the settlement, and reactions in Germany were especially bitter, as she had not been allowed to take any part in the negotiations.