The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had a significant and controversial outcome following World War I. It primarily aimed to establish peace and impose punitive measures on Germany, which was seen as the instigator of the war. The treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, intended to limit its future military capacity. However, the harsh terms fueled widespread resentment among Germans, contributing to economic hardship and political instability. This discontent laid the groundwork for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The treaty's failure to secure lasting peace ultimately led to the outbreak of World War II.