The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was crucial in reshaping European politics after World War I. It imposed harsh reparations and territorial losses on Germany, aimed at preventing future aggression but also fostering resentment. The treaty redrew national boundaries and established the League of Nations, envisioned to promote diplomacy and prevent war. However, the punitive measures led to economic instability in Germany, ultimately contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and World War II. The treaty's shortcomings highlighted the complexities of peacekeeping and set the foundation for future international relations, heavily influencing the course of the 20th century.