Perspectives from Paris, 1919 by YAN CHENG JOHNNY XU https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f en-us 2021-04-15 00:55:53 UTC 2021-04-24 09:29:13 UTC hello@padlet.com Self-Determination ycxu https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f/wish/1419004988 Self-determination in summary is where a group of alike people, usually possess a certain level of national consciousness and with similar political ambitions- can seek and is able to create its' own government.  Woodrow Wilson prompt this concept as an important objective for post-war world, this idea was suggested in the 5th of his 14 points(January 1918) In WW1 allies accepted it as “a peace aim”.[1] It was a popular goal for many oppressed ethnic groups at that time. During the Paris Peace Conference numerous new states have formed based on Woodrow Wilson’s principle. Woodrow Wilson’s proposal was backed by France and England, as France wishes to create its’ own Little Entente with new-born countries; England, although concerned with the clash with its’ colonial claims, but in the wished for a balanced Europe agreed to the ideology.  It resulted in the disintegration of old Ottoman and Austro-Hungary empire and Russia’s former Baltic territories. The principle is used as punishment for rivalries during war, as well as creating buffer zone against spread of communist Russia.  This is sometimes referred to as “Balkanization” of Europe by historians of early nationalist eras. [2]  this ideology actually clashed with colonial claims of many allies. 

[1] Britannica, self determination, Britannica(13 August 2019)1, self determination, https://www.britannica.com/topic/self-determination, accessed 22/04/2021.

[2] Britannica, Balkanization,  Britannica, (9 April 2018)1, Balkanization, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Balkanization, accessed 22/04/2021
]]> 2021-04-15 01:00:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f/wish/1419004988 Racial Equality ycxu https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f/wish/1419023291 Racial equality 

Racial equality is when opportunities are equally given to people of all races, regardless of physical appearance such as skin colour, institutions are to give individuals moral, legal and political equality.  During the Paris Conference in 1919, the Japanese delegation proposed topic of racial equality clause, however its’ purpose is not to demand the equality for all coloured peoples but only that covenant of new League of Nations.[1] It had an aim of Japan, usually seen as inferior, considered by major powers as an equal, civilized western nation,  allow it to obtain equal rights the big 4 obtains.  The proposal was voted in favour by 11 out of 17 delegates that day, including China, Brazil, Serbia, France, Czechoslovakia… However, it was rejected by US and Australia. This idea was problematic as Segregationist Wilson need supporting votes of segregationist Southern Democrats in obtaining votes for Senate to confirm the treaty. Also, strong objection from Australian delegates gave Wilson an excuse to refuse the proposal. The failure of acceptance left Japan out of the Great Powers, ultimately resulted in the alienation of Japan and rising Japanese nationalism for decades. 

[1]The conversation, How the failures of the 1919 Versailles Peace Treaty set the stage for today’s anti-racist uprisings, The conversation(3 August 2020) 17, claiming rights, https://theconversation.com/how-the-failures-of-the-1919-versailles-peace-treaty-set-the-stage-for-todays-anti-racist-uprisings-140143, accessed 22/04/2021
]]> 2021-04-15 01:06:31 UTC https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f/wish/1419023291 Debating Self-Determination ycxu https://padlet.com/ycxu/ma3lg43gdeh2528f/wish/1419027067 Woodrow Wilson’s proposal of self-determination at the Paris Peace conference is a very idealist concept, it was suggested and implanted by the allies narrowly based on self-interest. Woodrow Wilson argued that this ideology was essential to maintain peace and provide freedom for people, at least for Europe. However, many have diverging perspectives on self-determination in comparison to Woodrow Wilson. The Bolsheviks have a very lucid interpretation of self-determination, who always proceed with the word “national”, always being used a call for anti-imperial rule through emphasising national identity as subject people’s ambitions. while Woodrow Wilson’s approach and definition were extremely indefinite with no specific term. [1] The expectation of the idea itself is very different in nature. Bolshevik Russia hoped to use this ideology as “a wrecking ball” to demolish  ethnically diverse empires of Europe, to establish their new order of communism worldwide with series of independent Soviet republics, for example the Red’s attempt to form and puppet the short-lived Hungarian and Bavarian Soviet Republic.    America in the opposite, Wilson original intention was to use the idea to create a bulwark against extreme extensive challenge to post war order, disintegrating powerful multi ethnic empires to eliminate potential hostility, for example, an absence of  strong Austro Hungary prevent any dominance or hostility in that in Central Eastern Europe, similar situations with collapsed Ottoman empire in Middle East. Self determination of ethnic groups directly caused fall of these empires which have the ability and power to act antagonistically. The Soviets’ use of this ideology is much more practical and achieved their own needs.  The American approach however, although it is with ‘peaceful’ intention, is actually very idealist and created more problems than it solved.  It is problematic as ethnic tension has not seized but instead some groups are more hostile towards each other as it generates dispute of borders, ethnic groups identifying themselves as different to majority and wanting independence, thus more conflicts arise or became potential. However, I believe America itself, fail to apply to the self-determination rule. America is an empire on its' own, also having ethnic groups like native Indians, Hawaii and Guam people who involuntary become part of the empire and who cannot exercise self determination at all.  Self determination proposed by Wilson is problematic with double standards. Wilson’s fantasist view of peace as a result of ethnic groups creating their own nation is unrealistic and impractical. 



[1]   Manela, Eriz,  Imagining Woodrow Wilson in Asia: Dreams of East West Harmony and the Revolt against Empire in 1919 , Oxford Academic, December 2006, page 5, https://academic-oup-com.ezproxy-b.deakin.edu.au/ahr/article/111/5/1327/10157,  accessed 24/4/2021
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