HISET Social Studies Practice

What major conflict led to the Treaty of Versailles?

1. World War II

2. World War I

3. Spanish-American War

4. Cold War

The correct answer is: World War I

The Treaty of Versailles was primarily a peace treaty that officially ended World War I in 1919. The war lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved many of the world's great powers, which were divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. After four years of extensive conflict and significant loss of life, the negotiation of this treaty was aimed at establishing terms for peace and reconstruction, particularly focusing on reparations, territorial adjustments, and the establishment of the League of Nations to promote future peace and cooperation. The other conflicts listed do not relate directly to the Treaty of Versailles. World War II, for instance, occurred later and was shaped partly by the unresolved issues from World War I and the Treaty of Versailles itself. The Spanish-American War was a conflict at the end of the 19th century and did not culminate in the Treaty of Versailles. The Cold War was characterized by political tension and ideological conflict after World War II and was essentially a diplomacy struggle that spanned several decades, having no direct association with the events leading to the Treaty of Versailles.