The Paris Peace Conference, held at the Palace of Versailles, was convened to address the conclusion of World War I and establish a framework for peace among the victorious Allied powers and the defeated Central Powers. Delegates from over thirty countries gathered to discuss various treaties, the most prominent being the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty aimed to reintegrate Germany and Austria into the global community while also imposing reparations and territorial losses on Germany. Alongside the major Allied leaders, smaller nations were represented and sought to shape their future in the post-war order.

Key leaders played significant roles during these discussions. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson advocated for his Fourteen Points, emphasizing self-determination and the establishment of the League of Nations to prevent future conflicts. British Prime Minister David Lloyd George wanted to ensure Britain’s security and economic interests were upheld, while French Premier Georges Clemenceau pushed for punitive measures against Germany, reflecting France’s desire for security after suffering extensive damage during the war. The delicate negotiations involved balancing various national interests and ideologies, resulting in intense debates and shifting alliances.

The conference's outcomes would reshape Europe significantly. The establishment of new nation-states and redrawing of borders fundamentally altered the map of Europe. While the treaty aimed to provide a framework for a sustainable peace, it also sowed seeds of resentment, particularly in Germany, where the treaty's harsh terms contributed to a national sense of humiliation and economic instability. The decisions made at the conference continued to influence international relations for decades to follow, highlighting the challenge of creating a lasting peace in a complex world.