France did not get everything it wanted from the Versailles Treaty. While France received some German territory and was likely to receive significant reparations payments, the treaty did not fully satisfy French Prime Minister Clemenceau's demands regarding Alsace-Lorraine and colonial territories. Additionally, Clemenceau sought a treaty guaranteeing military support from Britain and the U.S. if Germany became aggressive again, but the U.S. refused to approve the treaty and Britain was unwilling to commit without American involvement, leaving France feeling exposed to future German threats. This failure contributed to Clemenceau's defeat in the 1920 French presidential election.

1. WHY DID ALL THE VICTORS NOT GET
EVERYTHING THEY WANTED?
IGCSE HISTORY
FRANCE

2. KEY POINTS FOR FRANCE
The Versailles Treaty satisfied few of Clemenceau’s specific demands with
regard to Alsace-Lorraine and the transfer of some colonies.
France was likely to become the major recipient of German reparations.
Clemenceau’s main concern was the defence and security of France and it
was clear that the treaty also went some way towards achieving this.
France would be secure on her eastern frontier providing Germany kept
to the military terms of the treaty.
It was necessary that the Rhineland remained free of German troops and
fortifications.
Versailles deprived Germany of a significant proportion of her land,
population and resources.

3. ANGLO-AMERICAN TREATY OF GUARANTEE FOR FRANCE
Clemenceau was worried that this might not be enough. He feared that
Germany would recover her strength and seek changes to the treaty.
To protect against this he wanted a Treaty of Guarantee with his Allied
partners. This would mean that Britain and USA would be committed to
coming to France’s assistance in the event of future German aggression.
US Congress refused to approve the peace settlement and America
withdrew into diplomatic isolation.
Britain was unwilling to provide any guarantees to France on her own.
As a result, France still felt exposed on her eastern frontier.
Clemenceau’s failure led to his defeat in the presidential elections of
January 1920.