The Treaty of Versailles 1919
In January of 1919, 70 delegates from 27 nations met in Paris to negotiate a peace treaty. The result of these talks was the Treaty of Versailles, signed by the victorious Allies and the defeated Germany. The treaty outlined the terms of the postwar settlement and redrew the borders of Europe after World War I. It also blamed the war completely on German aggression in it's War Guilt Clause, meaning that Germany had to pay reparations equal to all civilian damages caused by the fighting.
The treaty was presented to Germany, who after protest agreed to sign it. The Treaty of Versailles was finally signed on June 28, 1919 by German representatives in Louis XIV's hall of mirrors at Versailles. Though short lived the treaty inspired great expectations for many throughout Europe.
The treaty was presented to Germany, who after protest agreed to sign it. The Treaty of Versailles was finally signed on June 28, 1919 by German representatives in Louis XIV's hall of mirrors at Versailles. Though short lived the treaty inspired great expectations for many throughout Europe.
This was all that remained of the Belgian town of Ypres after WWI. There was massive widespread destruction in Europe throughout WWI and the Treaty of Versailles helped to rebuild Europe afterwards.
Throughout WWI the fighting and alliance changed European borders drastically creating a need for redrawn borders at the end of the war, which the Treaty of Versailles was able to accomplish.
Delegates from many counties met in Paris in early 1919 to negotiate peace talks and start to rebuild Europe after WWI.
The historical day that the peace conference started was documented worldwide in numerous news outlets.
In Sydney Australia nuns marched down Macquarie Street in peace celebrations.
In the War Guilt Clause (above) the allied powers declare Germany is solely responsible for WWI and that they must pay reparations for civilian damages caused by the fighting.
After the treaty was written, the allied powers presented the treaty to Germany for signing. Though they protested at first they agreed to sign it.
Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 in the hall of mirrors at Versailles.
A pen used to sign the Treaty of Versailles.
News article sharing the news that the Treaty of Versailles had been signed by Germany.
Redrawn borders after the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles.
The Treaty of Versailles did have some unintended consequences. The reparations Germany owed led to massive debt for the German economy leading to higher bread prices, unemployment, and widespread poverty. These problems in Germany created an environment where the Nazi party was able to rise to power.