The aftermath of World War I characterized significant historical shifts that reshaped European politics. The war led to the collapse of empires, such as the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, resulting in the creation of new nations based on national self-determination. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, contributing to economic instability and political unrest. These changes paved the way for extremist movements, including fascism and communism, ultimately leading to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the continent.