The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had a profound and negative impact on Germany following World War I. The treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions, which contributed to economic hardship and national humiliation. The harsh terms fueled widespread resentment and instability within Germany, leading to hyperinflation and contributing to political extremism. The societal turmoil created fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, who capitalized on public discontent by promising a restoration of national pride. The treaty is often cited as a critical factor that set the stage for World War II due to the unresolved grievances it left behind.