Research Guide: Treaty of Versailles: Home

Treaty of Versailles, 28 June 1919

This section of the website details the full contents of the Peace Treaty of Versailles, signed on 28 June 1919 by Germany and the Allied powers at the Palace of Versailles.  Controversial even today, it is often argued that the punitive terms of the treaty supported the rise of the Nazis and the Third Reich in 1930s Germany, which in turn led to the outbreak of World War II.

The German government was given three weeks to accept the terms of the treaty (which it had not seen prior to delivery).  Its initial response was a lengthy list of complaints, most of which were simply ignored.  The treaty was perceived by many as too great a departure from U.S. President Wilson'sFourteen Points; and by the British as too harsh in its treatment of Germany.

World War I - Internet Sourcebook

This site is a collection of primary resources relating to the buildup, fighting, and aftermath of the first World War.

Treaty of Versailles, 1919

An electronic copy of the Treaty of Versailles, provided by the Avalon Project.

Weimar Republic primary sources

A small selection of primary sources (with accompanying information) on the culture, economics, politics and society of Germany between WWI and the Nazi's rise to power.