The Signing of the Treaty of Versailles in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles 1919 (painting by William Orpen)

The Treaty of Versailles that ended World War One was a complex and flawed agreement. Negotiators faced great difficulties in trying to create the agreement, and compromises were unavoidable. Nevertheless, provisions of the treaty arguably contributed to creating the conditions that led to World War Two, just twenty years later. In this learning pathway, we will examine the Treaty of Versailles and its consequences.

World War One had deep and lasting global impacts. Empires ceased to exist and colonies came under new rulers with new mandates. The economic impact of the war was devastating. European powers were weakened, while the United States prospered. This learning pathway will explore these global impacts.

During this learning pathway you will watch one video lecture, examine one primary source document and complete several readings.

Objectives

• Explore the long-term impacts of World War One

• Learn about the Treaty of Versailles

• Examine the impact of World War One on European colonies