Final answer:
British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and President Woodrow Wilson clashed over the Treaty of Versailles with Lloyd George focusing on European security and imperial interests, while Wilson promoted his Fourteen Points and a new world order, including the creation of the League of Nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and President Woodrow Wilson clashed over several issues in the drafting of the Treaty of Versailles which officially concluded World War I. Wilson had articulated his vision for a postwar world in his Fourteen Points, one that included the establishment of the League of Nations and the principle of self-determination. While Wilson was seen by many as a 'God of Peace,' his allies were less enthusiastic, notably Lloyd George, who prioritized maintaining Britain's imperial interests.
Aligned with French Prime Minister George Clemenceau, Lloyd George had a more pragmatic approach focused on security for Europe and retribution against Germany. They sought severe reparations and limitations on Germany to prevent future conflict. This contrasted with Wilson’s ideological vision that included the breaking up of empires and the creation of sovereign states, emphasizing a more just and equitable world order.
Moreover, Lloyd George and other European leaders were keen on protecting their own nations' future safety and imperial domains, leading to a treaty that forced Germany to assume full responsibility for the war and pay substantial reparations. The opposition Wilson faced within the U.S., particularly concerning the Senate’s reservations about the League of Nations and its potential entanglements, further complicated the matter. Ultimately, Wilson’s failure to compromise on the treaty led to its rejection by the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. did not ratify the treaty nor join the League of Nations.