with the Bolshevik-dominated soviets around the country as their tool for enforcement — the first true totalitarian regime in history. - Arthur Herman

The German delegation, led by a clutch of Social Democratic politicians, arrived in Paris in early May. They expected to be treated, especially by Wilson, as a fellow democratic nation, there to negotiate a final equitable peace. Instead, to their shock and humiliation, they were received as a beaten adversary to be punished and reduced to impotence, while Wilson sat mutely by, doing nothing.

there was no Russian army anymore to fight. "They have voted with their feet by running away," Lenin said sardonically.

now with his peace offer on the table, it would be even more imperative that the United States not choose sides, in order to preserve its moral leadership over the planet.