The Treaty of Versailles

What happened

At the Paris Peace Conference, the victorious 'Big Four' — the United States, Britain, France, and Italy — dominated the drafting of the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was forced to accept strict terms: loss of territory and colonies, disarmament, reparations, and a 'war guilt' clause. The treaty also created the League of Nations. Germany signed on 28 June 1919, five years to the day after the Sarajevo assassination.

Why it matters

The harsh and contested peace reshaped the map of Europe and the Middle East, and its resentments would help set the stage for the Second World War.

Sources

• Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State. The Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles · Reputable source