What was the main outcome of the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, primarily aimed to formally end World War I and establish a framework for lasting peace. A significant aspect of this treaty was the imposition of heavy reparations on Germany. These reparations were intended to hold Germany accountable for its role in the war and to compensate the Allied powers for the destruction caused during the conflict. The burdensome financial obligations placed on Germany would lead to extreme economic hardship, contributing to political instability in the country and setting the stage for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s.

While there were other elements within the Treaty, such as territorial changes and the establishment of the League of Nations, the reparations have often been highlighted as a critical factor that influenced the political landscape of Europe in the decades that followed. The heavy reparations and the overall punitive nature of the treaty are frequently cited as having fostered resentment in Germany, which ultimately undermined the goal of achieving a lasting peace.