The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 played a critical role in post-World War I politics. The treaty aimed to establish peace and prevent future conflicts but imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany. It redrew national boundaries and created new nations, significantly altering the political landscape of Europe. However, the treaty's punitive measures created resentment and economic turmoil in Germany, contributing to the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 1930s. The Treaty of Versailles is often cited as a contributing factor to the outbreak of World War II due to its failure to maintain lasting peace.