The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 following World War I, was significant as it imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, aiming to prevent future conflicts. It redrew the map of Europe, leading to the creation of new nations and altering national borders. Although it aimed to establish lasting peace, many historians argue that the harsh terms fostered resentment in Germany, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II. Additionally, the treaty's creation of the League of Nations sought to promote international cooperation, although it ultimately failed to prevent subsequent global conflicts.