The Big Three

Who were the 'Big Three'?

The 'Big Three' at the Paris Peace Conference were: Georges Clemenceau, the Prime Minister of France; David Lloyd George, Prime Minister of Britain; and American President Woodrow Wilson.

What was the role of the Big Three in the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

The Big Three carried out the negotiations for the peace settlement at the end of the First World War.

Why did the Big Three play such a leading role in the peace negotiations at the end of the First World War?

The Big Three played such a leading role in the negotiations for a peace settlement due to their influence as world leaders and the extent of their empires.

Where did the Big Three meet to discuss the peace settlement at the end of the First World War?

The Big Three met at the Paris Peace Conference which was held at Versailles, just outside Paris.

Why was the Big Three sometimes known as the 'Big Four'?

Sometimes the leading politicians at the Paris Peace Conference were known as the 'Big Four', because they included Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, the prime minister of Italy. However, he left after a disagreement about the 1915 Treaty of London and Austrian land.

What was the significance of the Big Three at the peace settlement?

The Big Three were significant because of the following 2 reasons:

• ❖ They made all the decisions about the treatment of Germany and its allies. It was these agreements that concluded the war.
• ❖ The peace conference was dominated by the Big Three. Their decisions had many short and long term consequences for both Germany and the rest of Europe.