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Date November 2017 Marks available 15 Reference code 17N.3op2.HL.TZ0.20
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of the Americas) Time zone TZ0
Command term To what extent Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

“Wilson’s failure to gain US ratification of the Treaty of Versailles was due to his unwillingness to compromise.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Markscheme

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Wilson’s unwillingness to compromise led to the US Senate’s rejection of the Treaty of Versailles. Candidates should demonstrate a clear understanding of the reasons why the US Senate failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. They may refer to Wilson’s refusal to compromise on any points of the Treaty of Versailles when it was presented to the US Senate. Republican Senator Lodge, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Reservationists had several objections to the treaty and Wilson’s refusal to compromise ensured their opposition. This left Democrats with no room to negotiate with the Republican majority. Candidates may distinguish between political and ideological reasons, although it is not required. They may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement, but their opinions and conclusions will be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 10: Emergence of the Americas in global affairs (1880–1929) » United States and the First World War: from neutrality to involvement; reasons for US entry into the First World War; Wilson’s peace ideals and the struggle for ratification of the Treaty of Versailles in the United States; significance of the war for the United States’ hemispheric status
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 10: Emergence of the Americas in global affairs (1880–1929)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas
HL options: first exams 2017

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