Question

What is the Treaty of Versailles and when was it signed?

Answer 1

Hint: A treaty is a written agreement between two or more government bodies (such as states or sovereigns) that is jointly signed by lawfully recognized officials and normally confirmed by the state's law-making power. Versailles is a district on the western outskirts of Paris, France, which is primarily known as the location of the Palace of Versailles.

Complete answer:
At the end of the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles, had been signed in June 1919 on the 28th, at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, hence the name ‘Treaty of Versailles’.

The peace process in Versailles was dominated by the “Big Four” representatives of the triumphant Western nations: David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom, Wilson of the United States, Georges Clemenceau of France, and, to a lesser degree, Vittorio Orlando of Italy. The conference was not witnessed by Germany or the other fallen forces, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

It enforced terms of peace between Germany and other victorious Allies (Britain, US, France and Russian Empire). The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for causing the war and instituted drastic measures such as territorial losses, large compensations, and disarmament. The Treaty of Versailles was successful in insulting Germany whilst failing to address the fundamental problems that had contributed to the outbreak of war in the first place. So the Treaty officially brought the First World War to a close whilst also laying the groundwork for World War II.

Therefore by the conclusion of World War I, peace negotiations had been negotiated. One of these peace treaties was the Treaty of Versailles. It brought an end to the five-year-long conflict between Germany and the Allied Powers. The treaty had been signed by the officials on June 28, 1919.

Note: The treaty faced massive consequences. Some scholars agree that, under the daunting situation, the peacemakers who made the Treaty did the best they could. Others argue that the Treaty was a catastrophic half-measure. It caused enough hardship to Germany to evoke anger. It also made Germany angry enough to demand vengeance.