Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I and imposed harsh conditions on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and financial reparations.
Related terms
League of Nations: An international organization established after World War I with the goal of maintaining world peace and preventing future conflicts.
Reparations: Payments or compensation made by a defeated country to compensate for damages caused during war.
War Guilt Clause: A provision in the Treaty of Versailles that placed sole responsibility for starting World War I on Germany.