When did the First World War end officially? This is a question that has intrigued historians and students of history for over a century. The official end of the First World War, also known as World War I, is marked by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. However, the cessation of hostilities was not immediate, and the war technically ended on November 11, 1918, with the Armistice of Compiègne.
The First World War, which began in 1914, was a global conflict that involved the majority of the world’s nations. It was characterized by unprecedented levels of death and destruction, with an estimated 16 to 20 million military personnel and 7 to 10 million civilians killed. The war had a profound impact on the political, social, and economic landscape of the world.
The Armistice of Compiègne was signed on November 11, 1918, between the Allied Powers and Germany. This armistice brought an immediate end to the fighting on the Western Front, but it was not the official end of the war. The armistice was intended to be a temporary truce while peace negotiations were conducted. These negotiations took place in Paris and resulted in the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919.
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that imposed severe penalties on Germany, including territorial losses, war reparations, and military restrictions. The treaty was highly controversial and contributed to the rise of nationalism and anti-Semitism in Germany, which eventually led to the Second World War. Despite the signing of the treaty, the official end of the war was not until the ratification of the treaty by the United States Senate on February 6, 1920.
The First World War left a lasting legacy on the world stage. It reshaped the map of Europe, led to the fall of several empires, and laid the groundwork for the Cold War. The war also had a profound impact on the social fabric of societies, leading to changes in women’s rights, labor rights, and the role of the state in economic and social affairs. The official end of the war, marked by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, was a pivotal moment in history, but the war’s effects continued to be felt for decades to come.
