The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had profound significance in shaping post-war Europe following World War I. The treaty imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which many believed sowed the seeds for future conflict. It aimed to establish a new world order through the League of Nations but also led to resentment among Germans. The dismantling of empires like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire created new nations, yet also fueled nationalistic conflicts. Ultimately, the treaty's punitive measures and failure to ensure lasting peace contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.