How did the Treaty of Versailles End World War I?
On June 28, 1919, Germany, France, Great Britain, the United States, and Italy met at the Palace of Versailles to mark the end of World War I. When the Allied Powers and Germany came together, they concluded the war, established long-term plans for peace, and formulated a reparation plan for Germany, holding them responsible for the war effort. Specifically, the Allied countries’ primary goal was to prevent future conflict by imposing strict limitations and requirements for Germany’s military. Furthermore, while the allies sought this as a long-term peace deal, it would soon pay dividends approximately 20 years later, as World War II would soon begin. Immediately following the signing, Germany entered a period of economic hardship and political instability. Because of the terms and conditions listed in the treaty, Germany was more or less humiliated and caused an extremist uprising soon after. Although the Treaty of Versailles signaled enduring peace for the world, Germans viewed it as a “dictated peace”, misunderstanding the causes and effects of Germany’s Federal Government.
Why it matters
While the root of the Treaty of Versailles signified the end of World War I, Germany faced a vast chain of hardships stemming from political and economic instability.
1) How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to World War II?
The harsh terms written in the Treaty of Versailles, along with the "war guilt" clause, created intense economic distress, national humiliation, and political instability across Germany.
Source: history.com/articles/treaty-of-versailles
2) Who wrote the Treaty of Versailles?
The key figures responsible for the Treaty of Versailles were: United States President Woodrow Wilson, Prime Minister of France Georges Clemenceau, Prime Minister of Great Britain David Lloyd George, and Prime Minister of Italy Vittorio Orlando.
Source: britannica.com/question/Who-were-the-key-people-involved-in-drafting-the-Treaty-of-Versailles
3) How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's Army?
The Treaty of Versailles limited the German army to 100,000 men, banned conscription, prohibited tanks, submarines, and an air force, along with restricting its Navy to six battleships.
Source: youtube.com/watch?v=zMuHxuHaEog