What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles (1919) imposed harsh terms on Germany: territorial losses, strict military limits, heavy reparations, the “war guilt” clause, and acceptance of the League of Nations system.

Background

The treaty was signed on 28 June 1919 after World War I. The main Allied powers—France, Britain, the United States, and Italy—met in Paris to design peace terms. Germany was not allowed to negotiate on equal footing. The treaty aimed to prevent another war by weakening Germany, redrawing borders, and creating an international body for future conflict resolution.

Major terms at a glance

Other important clauses

• Industrial and resource controls: Coal from the Saar, restrictions on production of weapons, and monitoring by Allied commissions.
• Border plebiscites: Votes held in some regions to decide national affiliation.
• War trials and accountability: Plans to try leaders, though enforcement varied.

Consequences

• Short-term: political unrest in Germany, economic troubles, and a sense of humiliation.
• Long-term: some historians argue the treaty contributed to the rise of extremist politics and tensions that led to World War II, though causes were complex.