Treaty of Versailles | 28 Jun 2024

Recently, the anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles was observed which was signed on 28th June 1919, at the Palace of Versailles, in Paris, France.

• It was one of the treaties that officially ended five years of conflict known as the World War I (1914-18). 
• The Treaty mentioned the conditions of peace between Germany and the victorious Allies, led by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. 
• The war guilt clause of the treaty forced Germany and other Central Powers (like Austria-Hungary) to take all the blame for World War I. 
• This led to the loss of territories, reduction in military forces, and reparation payments to Allied powers by Germany.
• Disintegration of the German population was later used by Hitler to justify German aggression and expansion.
• It further posed severe risks to the entire European economy which led to the Great Depression of 1929.
• The treaty caused resentment among Germans who saw it as a dictated peace and is considered one of the reasons for World War II.
• Also, the treaty led to the formation of the League of Nations.

Read more: World War I