Treaty of Versailles

Q: How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to WWII?

The Treaty of Versailles led to WWII because it harshly treated Germany after losing WWI. Adolf Hitler repeatedly used the treaty's guilt clause and obligations to give up German territory, limit arms, and pay reparations to gain support for the Nationalist Socialist Party and as an excuse for invading several countries.

Q: Who are the Big 4 at the Treaty of Versailles?

The 'Big Four' at the Treaty of Versailles discussions were British Prime Minister David Lloyd George (1863-1945), French Prime Minister French Georges Clemenceau (1841-1929), US President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), and Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando (1860-1952).

Q: Why did the Treaty of Versailles fail?

The Treaty of Versailles failed because its terms were too harsh on Germany, causing lasting popular resentment, the territory it removed from Germany often had a German majority, and the payment of reparations and arms limitations depended on Germany voluntarily complying.

Mark Cartwright

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Definition

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in June 1919, was an agreement between the victors of the First World War (1914-18) which redivided parts of Europe and imposed reparations, armament limitations, and total blame for the war on Germany, one of the conflict's losers.

More about: Treaty of Versailles

Timeline

11 Nov 1918
The armistice is signed which ends the First World War.
Jan 1919 - Jan 1920
Delegates meet at the Paris Peace Conference to decide the fate of the losing nations of WWI.
28 Jul 1919
The Treaty of Versailles is signed, imposing guilt for WWI, reparations, and armament limitations on Germany and redistributing some of its territories.
Jan 1920
Foundation of the League of Nations.