Page:General History of Europe 1921.djvu/889

 Europe after the World War 667 drawn into the European wars has become clear as we have re- viewed the past. It would seem as if our history must hereafter be bound up with that of the rest of the civilized world. Steam- ships and the telegraph have made the globe far smaller and the relations of nations much more intimate than formerly. This is illustrated by the apprehension felt by many that what is going on in Russia might encourage the overthrow of our whole business system even in the United States. As a busy, peaceful, and pros- perous nation the people of the United States must assume such responsibilities as are necessary to enable them to play a worthy part in promoting harmony, justice, and prosperity throughout the world ; for their fate is too intimately connected with the welfare of other countries to permit them to stand aloof. QUESTIONS I. What countries were represented at the Peace Conference in Ver- sailles ? How was the treaty with Germany drafted ? What problems caused the most difficulty ? What were the terms forced on Germany ? What were the chief changes made in the map of Europe? Compare the new map of Europe with that in 1914. II. How is the League of Nations organized ? What are mandates ? Why did the United States Senate refuse to ratify the treaty? What difference of opinion existed in the United States in regard to the League of Nations ? III. Sketch the situation in Russia after the Bolshevik revolution. Why were the European governments alarmed by the conditions in Russia? What were the chief causes of continued fighting after the close of the World War? What particular problems has Great Britain had to face ? Describe the views of the various parties opposed to our present business system. IV. What were the chief difficulties in carrying out the Treaty of Versailles? Why does such an overwhelming part of our national income .have to go for military expenses ? In what way do you think that the chances of another war can be reduced? What do you read or see that seems to you to encourage a continuance of wars ?