Freedom is Worth Dying For - A Colombian AAR (Take Two)

[Sectorknight21]

Prologue - Baptism by Fire​

Sunday, August 6th 1813

Caracas, Venezuela

"My fellow Colombians!" Began Simon Bolivar
"Today we stand at a crossroads! The Royalists are no more in Caracas!"
The crowd cheered fervently
"Soon all of the oppressed people of New Grenada will be united under one banner!" "Our Blood and sweat will pay off!"
Again the crowd went wild
"To the Royalists, drop your arms! There is no need to be lapdogs to the pathetic Spanish Oppressors, united we will triumph!"
"To the Spanish, we are the angry and the oppressed
The hungry and the weak, we are the ones who kept quiet and always did what we were commanded but we’ve been sweating while they've all slept so calm atop the safety of their throne, now the time has come to overthrow the tyrants!"
"But allow us never to forget the poor souls who gave their lives to allow us our chance to gain our freedom!"
With that Bolivar left the plaza he was ready, and so were his people.

The Battle for Caracas, The beginning of the end for the Viceroy of New Grenada.​

Well here we go again everyone!
This time I hope to keep this AAR alive.
This time I'll be playing at normal/aggressive and will be using the Cold War Extension Mod

 

[Sectorknight21]

Reserved for index\other stuff

 

[Sectorknight21]

Prolouge Part II But Tonight We Dance.....​

August 7, 1819

Central Plaza in Bogota

Simon Bolivar rode his horse alongside his head generals, many of them were leaders of British Expeditionary Forces, in Bogota. The crowds were going wild La Republica de Colombia had finally earned its independence from Spain.
Bolivar arrived at the podium in the center of the plaza and took a stand
"Today my people is a day that will go down in history!" he began
"Today we through off our shackles and declare our independence from our "Madre Patria" (or Mother country)" He said with a sneer
"Today we begin our journey, our journey as a people and as a country. We will journey along the road and as of now we are at a crossroads, we can become a grand power or disintegrate into quarraling, bickering states!"
"We may have our differences, Colombian from Venezuelan from Ecuadorian but one thing keeps us together! Our love for our land, we can dissolve into the darkness of nationalism or step into the bright light of union and collaboration!"
The crowd cheered
"Now tonight we celebrate and tonight we dance tommorow we will begin our work upon our brand new nation!"
Simon Bolivar walked from the stage and into the once Royalist Capitol, it was time to plan for the future......

Heros of the Colombian War of Independence​

November 14th 1830

San Salvador, Capital of the Federal Repubilc of Central America (FRCA)

6 Days before Central American surrender in the Colombo - Central American War that lasted two years ending in a Colombian victory

"GO!GO!GO!" yelled General Vargas as his men charged into San Salvador.
Troops poored in, most Central American resistance was holed up in the center of the city.
Cannons roared over from land and from the sea from the Colombian Navy supplied in modern weaponry from Britan and as of the late France who had been supplying Colombia with cannons and rifles.
"My general!" said a private who was bringing a letter from the Central Americans.
"Its there total and unconditional surrender of the city if we allow the garrisons to leave." he continued
"Send them a follow up agreeing to the terms and tell the men to hold their grounds! They've been rowdy as of the late must be the war dragging on."

In San Salvador alone 1,500 civilians were masacarred by Colombian troops, who exhausted and angry took their fury out on the local occupied population. Even today there is still sentiment amongst the Central American countries and Colombia.​

 

[unmerged(169228)]

Glad to see you restarting your AAR, liked the idea of a Great-Colombia .

 

[volksmarschall]

Hopefully this one works out better, make Bolivar's dream come true!

 

[Sectorknight21]

The Rise of Liberty

​

December 21st 1830

Caracas, Colombia

General Vargas stood solemnly as he stared at the casket where his countries beloved leader laid dead, president since 1819, after his painful bout with tuberculosis. Vargas stood next to Daniel O'Leary, Simon's aide-de-camp from Britain, and one of Simon's must trusted friends.

Simon Bolivar's Death

Daniel Florencio O'Leary

"So did you destroy the documents?" asked Vargas, referring to the personnel documents Bolivar had asked Daniel to destroy.
"Of course not, are as much a part of your countries history as its constitution."
Vargas smiled smugly the plan was going excellently even Daniel didn't know of the coming storm.


January 21st Bogota, Colombia


General Vargas led twenty heavily armed men to the Casa de Narino, the central location of Colombia's government.
They marched through the streets quietly women and children hid in there homes, where ever they moved silence followed. No one dared oppose them....
They reached the door of the Casa de Narino.
"Venegaz, Lopez, open the doors" said Vargas
"Yes sir" they said in unison
They kicked the doors down and all twenty men ran in to secure the building.


the January Day Coup had begun...... ​

 

[unmerged(50292)]

Interesting. Don't come across one from South America often.

 

[Sectorknight21]

The Rise of Liberty Part 2
​

January 21st Bogota Colombia Casa de Narino

"Everyone down!" screamed a Sergent
several Presidential guards shot at the revolutionaries to no avail they were caught completely off guard and all were killed or subdued.
"We have to make our way to the Presidential Offices now, the new "president", Domingo de Caycedo." said Vargas
They moved swiftly with no remorse to those who dared deify them, guard after guard was mowed down, unless they willingly surrendered.
Finally after ten minutes of fighting they reached the Presidential Office. They were prepared to do what they had to do to topple Colombia's presidential dictatorship, even if it ment killing the president.
CRASH!!
The door was kicked down by Vargas himself and him and five other men entered quickly.....
"Hey, the bastard isn't here!" yelled Lopez a Private
"Really? God your stupid Lopez, take a lap." snapped Vargas as he ran over to the wooden desk and pulled Domingo out from underneath it.
"Why hello Mr. President, how are you doing on this fine day." said Vargas in a cruel voice
"What is the meaning of this!" Screamed Domingo
"A coup, un golpe de estado,a putsch. The end of Tyranny and the beginning of Freedom, the end of your corrupt presidency and the beginning of the career of a man worthy of the position to lead or great nation." snapped Vargas
"In other words, you?" said Domingo sarcastically
"Yes, only for a time really in a few months we will schedule elections and then the people will decide who they want, hopefully someone better than you. In a month you managed to fail at the presidency." said Vargas
"Well, lets not delay." said Vargas, standing up.
"Delay to where." whimpered Domingo
"In an hour you will address that decrepit thing we call congress and tell them that you will be transferring the presidency to me and that they are all out of a job." said Vargas
"You used to be full of such promise General, what happened to you?" said Domingo
"You can have it all.... what do you want money? women? properties?" Domingo asked with a pleading voice
"No, I want freedom for my people." answered Vargas
"I will never give up my position!" yelled Domingo
"Never in a million-"
But Domingo never finished the sentence for Vargas shot him and ended his life.
After a few minutes Vargas approached Pvt. Rodriguez and handed him a note with a word on it.
"Send a runner with this note to Army Group 2, the ones waiting to storm el Palacio de Justicia." Vargas said solemnly
"Yes, Sir! said Rodriguez before running outside
"Do you think its going to work."
Vargas turned around, it was Lopez
"The army is with us, and once the people experience true Democracy then they will be with us as well." said Vargas
"But I suppose only time will tell, in the meantime Lopez time for your lap." added Vargas
"You were serious sir?" answered Lopez shocked
"Of course! You see its stupid questions like that that make me give you laps, now go!"
"Yes, sir!"

And with a salute Lopez left, of course not without whispering a few choice words under his breathe.

 

[Sectorknight21]

Sons of Liberty
​

The Following is an excerpt from American auther Jonathan Frank from his book "Colombia - World Power Despite Itself"

"....No action in Colombian history was as important as the January Day Coup (except for its war of independence). The coup was led out by General Emiliano Vargas, a figure just as reveared as Simon Bolivar in Colombia, after the coup he sent troops to the Colombian Congress and sent most who would not comply to exile, particularly to Brazil, or were executed depending upon how dangerous they would be to the new democratic regime. Almost immediatly Great Britain and in a suprise to most, the United States who had always supported the previous regime. After the US recognized the regime relations improved ten fold. New trade agreements began, as well as technological bluprints for both agricultureal and military departments...."

American M1819 Hall rifle, one of the many weapons supplied to Colombia in trade deals, known as the "Cuskcarron" in Colombia for its effective seal, but still allowing enough tolerance for the breech to be opened easily, America believed having a powerful ally in Latin America was very important as it allowed to keep other countries in line.​

".... The newly written Colombian Constitiution was modeled after the American Constitution except for one very clear difference - Civil Rights as a clear indicator that "... in the belief every man was created equal, deem it unconstitution to allow any man to own another....". In 1836 a law was passed that "... any slave that steps foot upon Colombian soil will be a free man in his absolute....".
This increased immigration to Colombia immensely, changing demographics in the years before the banning of slavery in the US as blacks and Russian serfs the prime suspects.

@ All thanks for the support really appreciate it

Also I was wondering what do readers think I could possibly improve with this AAR, any sane suggestions are welcome!

 

[unmerged(169228)]

I think your AAR is very good and wouldn't suggest any changes. If you are worried about the number of readers, just remember that not every lurker will post a reply.

Is the history behind this Grand-Colombia the same as that behind your previous AAR?

 

[unmerged(116928)]

The AAR is generally good, although I'd suggest putting more maps here (and actual screenshots too).

 

[son of liberty]

*Son of Liberty and all derivatives thereof are trademarked.*

Just kidding, I look forward to seeing where this goes.

 

[Sectorknight21]

I think your AAR is very good and wouldn't suggest any changes. If you are worried about the number of readers, just remember that not every lurker will post a reply.

Is the history behind this Grand-Colombia the same as that behind your previous AAR?

Yeah more or less I just thought that I might as well come up with more background information before I go to the actual game.

The AAR is generally good, although I'd suggest putting more maps here (and actual screenshots too).

I will do so when I get to 1936 (the actual game-play)

 

[Sectorknight21]

Sons of Liberty Part II​

In the dawn of the 1850s Colombo-American relations were at an essential all time high. So high in fact that many believed that there would be a full blown alliance. History had other plans. on August 23rd 1852 American president Franklin Pierce visited Quito, Ecuador, Colombia to meet with José Hilario López to establish an economical "pact". The publicized "Acts" were mostly trade agreements, and sharing of technologies. Rumors, however persisted that there were secret Acts within the pact. They were correct, a joint guarantee of independence (very much like the Munroe Doctrine) bound both nations together, as well as the exchange of military equipment, and during times of war troops and expeditionary forces. The final signing occurred on August 31st 1852. The American Co-Prosperity Pact had been born.

September 1862 The Battle of Antietam


Bullets flew by Emilio Vasquez's head, he felt nothing, he heard nothing, all he could hear was his heart, pounding, and pounding. Everything had become a repetitive action to him, raise gun, shoot, reload, repeat.
The Confederates were retreating the battle had lasted all day, most of the area had been picked clean of life. Dead grass, fallen trees, craters left by cannons.
Very little men were left in the trench now most were cheering and yelling Emilio only stared a gruesome sight

​

The dead of the battle outside Dunker Church, both Union and Confederate soldiers laid here. Dead.
"They died as they were born. Countrymen." Said Emilio to himself before doing a short prayer and reporting back to the General.


Many men like Emilio Vasquez were sent to the Union after the Colombian declaration of war on the Confederate States of America, most soldiers were commended on both sides by generals, officers, and even their fellow Union soldiers as

"Some of the bravest men you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting"

- George B. McClellan

Battle of Hampton Roads between the CSS Virginia (left) and the Colombian CS Republica​

 

[Sectorknight21]

Sons of Liberty III​

Towards the end of the 19th century after the Colombian intervention in the American Civil War, Colombia's role in international affairs was growing this was proven during the Spanish-American War [1].

Magoogle History Textbook (Grade 10)

Detail from Charge of the 24th and 25th Colored Infantry and Rescue of Rough Riders at San Juan Hill, July 2, 1898 depicting the Battle of San Juan Hill.​

San Juan, Cuba 13:00 July 1st 1888

"Move, Move, Move!"
"Lets go! We need to get there now or the Americans are done for!"
Everything seemed to blend together for Pvt. Vasquez. The trees they were running by, the yelling of other soldiers, all of it seemed unimportant.
Finally after five minutes of running the Colombian soldiers were approaching San Juan. The Spanish were totally unprepared for their arrival, as were the American's who were getting hammered in there charge.
"Quiet! we need a little bit to load up the cannons, take your positions!" Whispered the Officer
Immediately all the men stood behind a tree or crouched in bushes.
After a minute the general signaled the attack, cannons began to roar overhead towards Spaniard positions nothing was safe in its range of fire. The time for action was now, Pvt. Vasquez yelled while running forward alongside his comrades.

Colombian Occupied Puerto Rico 0800 July 23rd 1888

Colombian Infantry training in Puerto Rico
​

"Alright men gather around" Yelled General Emilio Venegaz
All the men gathered stood at attention the weather was extremely hot, even for Puerto Rico most men were sweating beads and exhausted from the last few days of grueling warfare.
the General opened map on the blackboard and began to give the men the situation on the island.
"Ok boys, as many of you know most of our battles in Puerto Rico have gone well." He whipped a bead of sweat off his face
He continued, "... most of you know that the only remaining bastion of Spanish control has retreated to the capital of San Juan [2] we'll be moving there within the hour and we must begin to prepare to leave....."

 

[Sectorknight21]

Bloody Chapters​

After the Treaty of Paris in which saw the country of Puerto Rico become a Colombian Territory and the Philippines to the United States, Colombia entered a state of closed isolation. Withdrawing itself from the international stage due to a crippling economic recession (later depression) brought on by a brutal four months of war. This exposed the fragile state the Colombian economy was in even before the war, poor spending, corrupt officials, the bitter fighting between the Liberal and Conservative parties, which sometimes even erupted into violence such as the Thousand Days War (1899-1902) in which Liberals and Conservatives actively fought in the streets with rocks and bats, which later turned to pistols and rifles and culminated in the death of thousands and lead the country to the brink of anarchy and civil war. Manuel Antonio Sanclemente, who was then president under the party of the Nationalist Conservatives is still referred to as "la lacra" or the scum in Colombia today. Sanclemente was responsible for the deaths and the unjust imprisonment of thousands of innocent Colombians. The conflict was brought on after the 1898 Presidential elections held only a few months after the Spanish-American War had concluded, Both him and the Liberal candidate Jose Antonio Esteban claimed victory at midnight on the night of the election leaving a very tense situation. Finally six days later and still no recount the Colombian Congress (the majority of them conservatives) named Manuel Antonio Sanclemente the President of Colombia. It didn't take long for outrage to go to violence, nor did it take long for peaceful sit-ins to turn into riots. On January 1st 1899 Sanclemente forced through the Civil Security Act, essentially declaring marshal law and suspending all other opposition parties from far-right to far-left. Even the conservative dominated congress was outraged calling Sanclemente a "reactionary tyrant that will scar our great nation for generations to come", said by a conservative Congressman who mysteriously disappeared a few days later. The fighting ended after all parties involved realized that Sanclemete was simply using them as pawns in order to increase his grip on the country, the liberals and conservatives realized that they'd rather fight a powerhungry tyrant interested in only subjegating the masses with no real care for his people.

Manuel Antonio Sanclemente "la lacra"​

And on November 23rd both parties formed "El Frente Nacional" or National Front where members from both parties, after overthrowing the current regime, would come together and allowd let the opposite party govern, intercalating for a period of four presidential terms. After three long years the Thousand Day War had concluded after a bloodless coup, as even the Presidential Guard helped the dissidents in arresting the president.

"Now my fellow Colombians, we may sleep soundly, tonight may we dance as Simon Bolivar had said so long ago in Caracas fighting for our independence so that we may stand here freely today. We have traveled in darkness for what seems like centuries. But tonight we dance! Tommorrow we may sweat and toil, tommorrow we will give it one more try! But tommorrow farmers to your fields! Children to your schools! Women to your cloth! Workers to your factories! Now we may truly brace this new century which I beleive will be one of peace and prosperity! My people, may you all live long and prosper!"

Newly elected president Jorge Santos, of the National Front

A new president, a new century, and a new bloody chapter in Colombian history that has come to a close.
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So took me a little bit but was wondering what do you guys think of my speech?

 

[Sectorknight21]

Colombia in the War to End All Wars Part I​

On June 28th 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assasinated by a Serbian Nationalist named Garavilo Princip, this event quickly trigered a series of events that would take Europe and the world years to recover from. In only 37 days all major European powers had picked sides and gone to war. As most countries had colonies the war soon expanded past Europe and engulfed the world in the flames of war.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife

French Troops on the offensive in Alasce Lorraine

Of course Colombia and the US, still finding themselves experiencing extreme isolatioism, especially Colombia after the Thousand Days War and subsequent coup afterwards. Many Colombians felt safe and were complacent with their place in the world especially with the opening of the Panama Canal with financial aid from the UK, France and the U.S. for special rights concerning the Canal. Despite the aid, Colombia had managed to go deep into the economic red with a nasty national debt and although the goverment felt a payment of honour to the British for help in independence and great relations (Colombia was all but part of the Commonwealth), the Colombian people and much of congress wasn't feeling the same.

Regardless of whether or not Colombia and the U.S were involoved in the war, both countries were considered to be on the "winning" side as both were making immense profits by selling weapons and supplies to the Entente powers (France, Britain, and Russia). Colombia saw itself quickly rising from the ashes of debt and began investing more in domestic plans and raising living standards. Both nations quickly became immigration magnets for refugees and people wishing to escape the waring countries whoose economies and rationing were pushing people to the limit. Doctors, scientists and politions fled to both countries which would alow many new advances in the coming years.

Refugees fleeing from war-torn Europe

Verdun, France, whats left of it anyway.

Injured German Soldiers

But the current state of things was to change, neutraity was to change to full out war commitment. On January 19th 1917 after three long years of war Germany sent out two telegrams one to Mexico and another to Peru called the Zimmermann Telegrams. By now the German Empire knew U.S and Colombian involvment in the war was inevitable, Colombia's extremely close ties with both Britain and France ment exteriour and interiour pressure. And the U.S was facing a similar stituation. And things did not help with Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. The Zimmermann Telegrams were coded telegrams sent to German ambassadors in Peru and Mexico dispatched by Arthur Zimmermann instructing the ambassadors to show the message to their respective host nations if either country was to enter the war and negotiate a military alliance. Mexico was promised economic and material aid in order to retake territory lost during the Mexican-American War and Peru promised the same deal in order to declare war on Colombia and take Ecuador and some of western Colombia proper. Both goverments declined the offers thinking them militaraly unfeasable. But the damage was done, the Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted and decoded by the British cryptographers of Room 40. The revelation of its contents in the American and Colombian press on March 1 caused public outrage that contributed to the United States's and Colombia's declaration of war against Germany and its allies on April 6 1917.​

 

[Sectorknight21]

Colombia in the War to End All Wars Part II​

After the Zimmermann Telegraphs and the outrage had passed and Germany's continued unrestricted submarine warfare, both the Colombian and American governments decided they had enough. And on April 6th 1917 both countries declared war and became Entente "associate nations" as neither Colombia nor the U.S had declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The rest of spring went by with heavy troop movements to the front. Several thousand Colombian troops were arriving daily in Britain and then sent to France. After the Russian Empire's revolution and subsequent withdraw from the war, Germany was filled with a sense of false hope as it could now move more troops to the western front. Unfortunately for them Colombian and American forces arrived not long after and began reinforcing the tattered Allied regiments.

Colombo-British Forces along the western front​

By the spring of 1918, Operation Michael, the first of the German spring offensives, very nearly succeeded in driving the Allied armies apart, advancing about 40 miles during the first eight days and moving the front lines more than 60 miles west, within shelling distance of Paris for the first time since 1914. As a result of the battle, the Allies finally agreed on a unified system of command. General Ferdinand Foch was appointed commander of all Allied forces in France. The unified Allies were now better able to respond to each of the German drives, and the offensive turned into a battle of attrition. In May, the American and Colombian divisions also began to play an increasing role, winning their first victories in the Battle of Cantigny. By summer, 300,000 American soldiers were arriving every month. As well as 275,000 Colombian soldiers. A total of 3.9 million American[1] troops would be deployed on this front before the war came to an end. The rapidly increasing American presence served as a counter for the large numbers of redeployed German forces.

German forces advancing in Roye​

In July, Foch initiated an offensive against the Marne salient produced during the German attacks, eliminating the salient by August. A second major offensive was launched two days after the first, ending at Amiens to the north. This attack included Franco-British and Colombian forces, was spearheaded by Australian and Canadian troops, along with 600 tanks and supported by 800 aircraft. The assault proved highly successful, leading Hindenburg to name 8 August as the "Black Day of the German Army"......

Colombian troops advancing alongside a "Marco Uno" Tank​

September 27th 1918 End of the Hundred Days Offensive


Battle of Canal du Nord 5:10 A.M.



"Come on! Move, move, move, move!" Whispered Lt. Johnathan Arthur
All was dark and the attack was about to begin, they had only just arrived and needed the element of surprise.
Corporal Jose Cardenas waited with his heavy rifle firmly at his chest, waiting, alongside the rest of the men of the division. All was silent, all was calm.
Canadian engineers continued to work on the bridge, silently. Everything seemed to be moving but all was silent, no wind rustling through the trees, no crickets. Nothing.
At 5:15 A.M the bridge was complete and the men were aloud to cross, Jose decided to make some small talk with the Lt.
"So... anything back home in... um... uh..." stuttered Jose
"Canada, you know the country north of the U.S.... funny you've been fighting with me for almost a year now and don't know where I'm from. And yes, a wife and two daughters how about you?" answered Johnathan with what seemed to be a grim but Jose couldn't quite make it out in the darkness.
"Yes, I suppose it is funny.... not married but I got someone waiting for me who will be my future wife." replied Jose in broken english
"You mean a fiance?"
"Well, no, not yet anyway was thinking about proposing when I got back."
"OK, we better cut the chatter we're approaching the target, but promise me something Cardenas."
"Sir?"
"IF you get back, and I mean IF, propose to her and treat her right because its about to get ugly....."
the LT. interrupted himself "Fire!"
And so they fired.....

At 5:20 on the morning of September 27, all four divisions attacked under total darkness, taking the German defenders of the 1st Prussian Guards Reserve Division and the 3rd German Naval Division by absolute surprise. By mid morning, all defenders had retreated or been captured. Stiffening resistance east of the canal proved that only a surprise attack had the possibility of ending in victory. Because of Canal du Nord's capture, the final road to Cambrai was open.



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OK guys five updates and no comments, I'm open to constructive criticism of all kinds (except rude )

 

[unmerged(145464)]

I like the idea but comments don't start pouring in until after the "history" lesson. Besides that, good job!

 

[Sectorknight21]

Colombia in the War to End All Wars Part III​

In the forest of Compiègne after agreeing to the armistice that ended the war​

The collapse of the Central Powers came swiftly. Bulgaria was the first to sign an armistice on 29 September 1918 at Saloniki. On 30 October the Ottoman Empire capitulated at Mudros. On 24 October the Italians began a push which rapidly recovered territory lost after the Battle of Caporetto. This culminated in the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, which marked the end of the Austro-Hungarian Army as an effective fighting force. The offensive also triggered the disintegration of Austro-Hungarian Empire. During the last week of October declarations of independence were made in Budapest, Prague and Zagreb. On 29 October, the imperial authorities asked Italy for an armistice. But the Italians continued advancing, reaching Trento, Udine and Trieste. On 3 November Austria–Hungary sent a flag of truce to ask for an Armistice. The Armistice with Austria was signed in the Villa Giusti, near Padua, on 3 November. Austria and Hungary signed separate armistices following the overthrow of the Habsburg monarchy. Following the outbreak of the German Revolution, a republic was proclaimed on 9 November. The Kaiser fled to the Netherlands. On 11 November an armistice with Germany was signed in a railroad carriage at Compiègne. At 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918—"the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month"—a ceasefire came into effect. Opposing armies on the Western Front began to withdraw from their positions.


The Treaty of Versailles

Signing in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles​

Often named the "Slave Treaty of Versailles" due to its heavy demands on the German Empire was signed after a long period of six months in order for all of the negotiations to finalize. All nations wanted different versions of the treaties.


France
While both American and British leaders wanted to come to a fair and reasonable deal, France's interests were much more aggressive and demanding as many of the battles had been fought on French soil. After the treaty was signed, many world leaders agreed that some of France's demands were far too harsh and unsympathetic. France had lost some 1.5 million military personnel and an estimated 400,000 civilians to the war. To appease the French public, Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau wanted to impose policies meant to cripple Germany militarily, politically, and economically, so as never to be able to invade France again. Clemenceau also particularly wished to regain the rich and industrial land of Alsace-Lorraine, which had been stripped from France by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. Clemenceau wanted the Rhineland to be separated from Germany as it was a key area of industry.[citation needed] This land also acted as a buffer zone between France and Germany in case of repeated attack.


Britain
Prime Minister David Lloyd George supported reparations but to a lesser extent than the French. Lloyd George was aware that if the demands made by France were carried out, France could become the most powerful force on the continent, and a delicate balance could be unsettled. Lloyd George was also worried by Woodrow Wilson's proposal for "self-determination" and, like the French, wanted to preserve his own nation's empire. Like the French, Lloyd George supported secret treaties and naval blockades.

Prior to the war, Germany had been Britain's main competitor and its second largest trading partner, making the destruction of Germany at best a mixed blessing. Lloyd George managed to increase the overall reparations payment and Britain's share by demanding compensation for the huge number of widows, orphans, and men left unable to work as a result of war injuries.

United States
There had been strong non-interventionist sentiment before and after the United States entered the war in April 1917, and many Americans were eager to extricate themselves from European affairs as rapidly as possible. The United States took a more conciliatory view toward the issue of German reparations. Before the end of the war, President Woodrow Wilson, along with other American officials including Edward Mandell House, put forward his Fourteen Points, which he presented in a speech at the Paris Peace Conference. The United States also wished to continue trading with Germany, so in turn did not want to treat them too harshly for these economic reasons.

Colombia
Very similar to the United States point of view. With a more conciliatory than the United States which led to a heavy rift between Colombia and other nations involved, particularly France. Colombia even went as far as defending Germany.

Which hand, trying to put us in chains like these, would not wither? The treaty is unacceptable.

German Foreign Minister

Response Colombian Foreign Minister

And I must agree. Can't any of you see the barbarity of the treaty? To strip them of money for reparations, I would answer, Of course! But to strip the German people of their pride and identity! No! and then to expect the German People to not despise us? Idiotic and we must remember that nothing goes unpaid underneath God's Eye!

The Colombian foreign Minister was removed from the negotiations and later sent home with which he went onto a shameful retirement.

His words fell on deaf ears....