- Armistice: The war officially ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918. The armistice conditions required Germany to cease hostilities, withdraw troops from occupied territories, and surrender military equipment.
- Treaty of Versailles: The peace settlement was formalized in the Treaty of Versailles, signed on 28 June 1919. The treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany, stripped it of territory, and placed restrictions on its military. The treaty was widely resented in Germany and contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
- League of Nations: The Treaty of Versailles also established the League of Nations, an international organization intended to promote peace and prevent future wars. The League had some successes, but it was unable to resolve major crises such as the Manchurian Crisis and the Italian invasion of Ethiopia.
Long-term consequences:
- Economic instability: The war had a devastating impact on the economies of Europe and the United States. The war debts incurred by the Allied Powers made it difficult for them to rebuild their economies. The global economic crisis of the 1930s further exacerbated these problems.
- Social upheaval: The war also led to significant social changes. The war had a profound impact on the role of women in society. Millions of women had entered the workforce during the war, and they were not willing to give up their new freedoms after the war. The war also led to the rise of new social movements, such as the labor movement and the feminist movement.
- Political instability: The war also led to political instability. The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought the communists to power in Russia. The fascists came to power in Italy in 1922 and in Germany in 1933. These totalitarian regimes were responsible for some of the worst atrocities in history, including the Holocaust and the Second World War.
In conclusion, World War I had a profound impact on the world. The immediate consequences of the war included the Armistice, the Treaty of Versailles, and the establishment of the League of Nations. The long-term consequences included economic instability, social upheaval, and political instability.