The primary result of the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was the formal ending of World War I. The treaty imposed significant penalties and reparations on Germany, viewed as the primary aggressor in the conflict. It required territorial concessions, military restrictions, and hefty reparations payments, which led to economic hardships and political instability in Germany. The treaty's harsh terms fostered resentment among the German population, contributing to the rise of nationalism and Adolf Hitler's ascent in the 1930s. While intended to secure lasting peace, the treaty is often criticized for sowing the seeds of future conflicts.