Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The Treaty of Versailles: A specific peace treaty signed in 1919 (effective 1920) that formally ended the state of war between Germany and most of the Allied Powers after World War I. It is historically significant for imposing heavy obligations and reparations on Germany.

Usage

• The term "Treaty of Versailles" is used as a singular, proper noun to refer specifically to this historical document and its terms. It is often discussed in the context of 20th-century history, international relations, and the causes of World War II.

Examples

• As a subject:

  • The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors.
  • Many historians argue that the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles contributed to economic instability in Germany.

• As an object:

  • Germany was forced to accept the Treaty of Versailles.
  • The conference produced the Treaty of Versailles.

Advanced Usage

• "the Versailles Treaty": An alternative, less common phrasing with the same meaning.
  • The provisions of the Versailles Treaty were a subject of intense debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Versailles: Often used metonymically to refer to the treaty or the peace conference where it was negotiated.
  • The decisions made at Versailles reshaped Europe.
• Paris Peace Conference: The broader conference (1919–1920) where the Treaty of Versailles, among others, was negotiated.
• War Guilt Clause: A famous and controversial article (Article 231) within the Treaty of Versailles, which assigned responsibility for the war to Germany and its allies.

Synonyms

• Peace treaty of 1919: A descriptive synonym.
• The Versailles Settlement: A term sometimes used to refer to the broader post-war arrangements, including this treaty.

Related Phrases

• "to sign the Treaty of Versailles": The act of formally agreeing to the treaty's terms.
  • The German delegates reluctantly signed the Treaty of Versailles.
• "terms of the Treaty of Versailles": Refers to the specific conditions and obligations outlined in the document.
  • The terms of the Treaty of Versailles included massive reparations payments.

Noun

1. the treaty imposed on Germany by the Allied powers in 1920 after the end of World War I which demanded exorbitant reparations from the Germans