Study all the sources. How far do these sources provide convincing evidence that Wilson's difficulties were mainly caused by Clemenceau? Use the sources to explain your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [7] (Agree) Source A suggests Clemenceau was 'crafty' and, while appearing to approve of the League, had it 'well down the list of important issues', leading Wilson to realise their views were not close.
2. [7] (Agree) Source B explicitly states Clemenceau was an 'old cynic' who 'did not trust Wilson's idealism' and whose 'rock-like obstinacy' annoyed and frustrated Wilson, with his only aim being to 'defend France'.
3. [7] (Agree) Source C, a British cartoon, published at the address of the French Foreign Ministry, implies French (Clemenceau's) preoccupation with German militarism, potentially hindering Wilson's peace vision.
4. [7] (Agree) Source D reveals House's proposal for an alliance to gain French support, implying French (Clemenceau's) insistence on security measures over the League caused Wilson's advisor to compromise his ideals.
5. [7] (Agree) Source E shows Wilson's anger when accused of being pro-German by the premiers (including Clemenceau), suggesting Clemenceau's demands for harsh terms contributed to Wilson's difficulties.
6. [7] (Disagree) Source B also blames Lloyd George for being 'difficult to work with because of the swiftness and frequency with which he could change his position'.
7. [7] (Disagree) Source D implicates Wilson's own advisor, Colonel House, for proposing an alliance that 'destroy[ed] the League's primary reason' to gain French support, showing internal US difficulties, not just Clemenceau.
8. [7] (Disagree) Source E highlights the opposition of 'the premiers of France, Great Britain, and Italy,' indicating that Wilson's difficulties were caused by a broader front of European leaders, not solely Clemenceau.
9. [7] (Disagree) Source F depicts various nations with their own 'PACIFIC CONTROL', 'BRITISH FLEET', 'GREATER ITALY' claims, suggesting Wilson's difficulties stemmed from the diverse and selfish demands of all Allied nations, not just French ones.
10. [7] (Disagree) Source G shows Wilson overwhelmed by the 'EUROPEAN BABY SHOW' of multiple nations crying for their 'ENEMY CLAIMS', 'ENGLISH CLAIMS', 'ITALIAN CLAIMS', 'POLISH CLAIMS', 'RUSSIAN CLAIMS', demonstrating that Wilson's difficulties were widespread and not singularly caused by Clemenceau.