The signing of the Treaty of Versailles marked the end of World War I in 1919. The treaty, negotiated among the Allied powers, held Germany responsible for the war and imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on the nation. Its harsh terms are often cited as contributing to the economic and political instability in Germany, ultimately leading to World War II. The Treaty aimed to promote peace and prevent future conflicts, but it left many issues unresolved, fostering resentment among the German populace and altering the political landscape in Europe for decades to come.