Peace Conference at the Quai d'Orsay, 1919 (oil on canvas)

Allied negotiations to establish peace terms opened on January 18th 1919 at the French Foreign Ministry with 70 delegates from 27 countries, dominated by Woodrow Wilson (USA), Clemenceau (France) and Lloyd George (Britain). Russia wasn't included as the allies didn't recognise the Bolshevik goverment. Quarrels over the extent of Germany's punishment meant the defeated central powers were not invited until the end of April - they reluctantly signed the Treaty at Versailles on June 28th. Wilson proposed the League of Nations as part of his 14 point plan for peace in Europe but Republicans in Congress voted against it and the United States never became a member.