What did Wilson and Lloyd George agree on regarding Germany's punishment?

The choice of a moderate approach to Germany's punishment reflects the complicated dynamics at the Paris Peace Conference following World War I. President Woodrow Wilson and British Prime Minister David Lloyd George both recognized that while there were strong sentiments for imposing severe penalties on Germany due to the devastation caused by the war, a harsh punitive stance might lead to future instability in Europe.

Wilson, in particular, advocated for principles that encouraged peace and cooperation among nations, which aligned with his vision for the League of Nations. He believed that crippling Germany would not only be unjust but could also foster resentment and a desire for vengeance, potentially laying the groundwork for future conflicts.

Lloyd George, while cognizant of the public desire for retribution in Britain, also understood the necessity of reconstruction and economic stability in Europe. He was wary of pushing Germany into a position of desperation, which could disrupt the peace that both leaders were trying to achieve in building a stable post-war order.

This shared belief in a more measured approach to Germany's punishment highlighted the importance of stability and cooperation over retribution, setting a precedent for the negotiations that would follow at the Conference.