During the War, German violation of Belgium’s neutrality made the country a symbol of the rights of small states. The Peace Conference was the diplomatic debut for both Belgium and its inexperienced and outspoken representative, fighting for a voice amid the Great Powers. 

Representatives of 32 nations attended the Paris Peace Conferences of 1919–1923; their common aim – to achieve a lasting peace – culminated in the Treaty of Versailles and the creation of the League of Nations, but what of the circumstances and aims of each nation? Focusing on individual countries’ delegates, this series examines what the representatives brought to the conference table, what they achieved in negotiation and the consequences of the peace treaties for their country. Slightly off-mint.