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Treaty of Versailles 1919 — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive history reading passage explores the Treaty of Versailles, the landmark agreement that ended World War I in 1919. Students will analyze the treaty's causes, terms, and far-reaching consequences using accessible yet rigorous academic vocabulary aligned with the CA HSS Framework and CCSS. The passage highlights major figures, primary source excerpts, and the complex political and geographic factors that shaped the peace settlement. Activities include a detailed glossary, multiple-choice quiz, explanatory writing prompts, and graphic organizers to support analytical reading skills. The lesson also features an English and Spanish version of the passage, as well as simplified text for differentiated instruction. Read aloud audio and a timeline of events help students build historical understanding. This resource is ideal for developing mastery of world history content and critical thinking skills related to cause and effect, change over time, and the impact of war and peace agreements.

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Evening News placard Versailles Treaty signed June 28 1919 — "Versailles Treaty signed June 28 1919" by Evening News / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Treaty of Versailles was a major agreement signed on June 28, 1919, which officially ended World War I between Germany and the Allied Powers. The treaty was created during the Paris Peace Conference, where delegates from over 30 countries gathered at the Palace of Versailles in France to decide the fate of Europe after years of devastating conflict. The Allied leaders, including British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French Premier Georges Clemenceau, and U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, played central roles in shaping the treaty’s terms. Their decisions would have lasting effects on world history.

The main goal of the Treaty of Versailles was to prevent another world war by holding Germany responsible for the destruction caused. The treaty forced Germany to accept blame for the war, a requirement known as the "war guilt clause" (Article 231). Germany also had to pay massive reparations—financial payments for damage done during the war. According to primary sources, such as the official treaty documents, Germany was ordered to pay 132 billion gold marks, a sum that strained its economy for years. The treaty also required Germany to give up important territories like Alsace-Lorraine and all of its overseas colonies.

Military restrictions were another key component of the treaty. Germany’s army was reduced to just 100,000 men, and it was forbidden from having tanks, aircraft, or submarines. The demilitarization of the Rhineland region, which bordered France, was intended to protect France from future attacks. The treaty also established the League of Nations, an international organization dedicated to maintaining peace. President Wilson had promoted the League as a way to resolve disputes diplomatically, but the U.S. Senate refused to join, which weakened the League’s influence. Some historians debate whether the harshness of the treaty made future conflict more likely, given the resentment it created in Germany.

The consequences of the Treaty of Versailles were significant and long-lasting. The treaty’s penalties caused severe economic problems in Germany and led to political instability. Some Germans saw the treaty as an injustice and a humiliation, fueling anger that would later help the rise of Adolf Hitler and the start of World War II. At the same time, the treaty redrew borders across Europe and the Middle East, creating new nations and changing the balance of power. The signing of the treaty in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles was a symbolic end to the old era, but it also set the stage for new challenges and conflicts.

The Treaty of Versailles demonstrates how peace settlements can shape the future, for better or worse. By studying this treaty, we connect to larger themes of justice, the impact of war, and the search for lasting peace in world history.

Interesting Fact: The date of the treaty signing, June 28, 1919, was exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which had triggered World War I.

When was the Treaty of Versailles signed?

June 28, 1919November 11, 1918July 4, 1914January 1, 1920

Where did the signing take place?

Hall of Mirrors, VersaillesBerlinLondonParis City Hall

Who was NOT a leader at the conference?

Woodrow WilsonGeorges ClemenceauDavid Lloyd GeorgeWinston Churchill

Why did the treaty require reparations?

To punish Germany financiallyTo reward FranceTo build new armiesTo buy colonies

What was a result for Germany?

Lost territoriesGained coloniesIncreased army sizeWon the war

How did the treaty affect future events?

It led to World War IIIt ended all warsIt made Germany strongerIt united Europe