The main consequence of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 was the formal end of World War I, alongside significant geopolitical reordering. The treaty imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which many historians argue fostered resentment and economic hardship that contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II. Additionally, the treaty redrew national borders, creating new nations and altering existing ones, which often led to ethnic conflicts and instability. While intended to ensure lasting peace, the Treaty of Versailles is often viewed as a flawed agreement that sowed the seeds for future conflicts.