What was the main outcome of the Treaty of Versailles?

The main outcome of the Treaty of Versailles was to officially end World War I and impose reparations on Germany. This treaty was signed in 1919 as a means to bring a formal conclusion to the war, effectively placing the blame for the conflict largely on Germany and its allies. The terms of the treaty imposed severe economic reparations that aimed to restore damage caused during the war, as well as territorial losses that significantly altered the map of Europe.

Additionally, the treaty sought to prevent future conflicts through disarmament and established the League of Nations, which was an early attempt at collective security and international cooperation, although it did not have the same authority or structure as the later United Nations. The inclusion of reparations and territorial changes contributed to significant political and economic unrest in Germany, which would later have repercussions in the form of World War II. Thus, this outcome is pivotal in understanding the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.