Understanding the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles: Ending World War I

The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 to officially end World War I. After Germany lost the war, the Allied Powers (including Britain, France, and the United States) created this peace treaty. The treaty was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France, but Germany had no choice in what the treaty said.

The treaty changed Germany in several major ways. First, Germany had to accept blame for starting the war. Second, Germany had to pay huge amounts of money (called reparations) to the countries it had fought against. Third, Germany's army was reduced to only 100,000 soldiers. Fourth, Germany lost important territories in Europe and all of its colonies in Africa and Asia. These territories contained valuable resources like coal, iron, and farmland that Germany needed.

Many Germans were angry about the treaty. They felt the terms were too harsh and unfair. The treaty left Germany with a weak army, less land, fewer resources, and massive debt. These changes caused serious problems for Germany throughout the 1920s and 1930s.