The Peace Negotiations, a personal narrative

What it is

Written by Robert Lansing, who served as Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of State, this personal narrative describes the Paris Peace Conference of 1919-1920, including Wilson's presence there and the debates over the League of Nations and the peace treaty.

Why it matters

Lansing worked closely with Wilson during the negotiations that shaped the postwar world, including the Covenant of the League of Nations. As an eyewitness insider account, it gives a contemporary's view of Wilson's decisions and conduct at the conference, including disagreements such as secret diplomacy and the Shantung settlement.

Look closer

• Why might Lansing, as a member of Wilson's own administration, have wanted to write this account?
• What kind of criticism or praise of Wilson might come from someone who worked directly with him?
• What topics, like secret diplomacy, suggest tension between Wilson and his own officials?