The Treaty of Versailles

Not so much a bad idea as poor execution. The high ideals that some participants (notably Wilson) brought to the table were drowned in a lust for punitive revenge against the Central Powers. This helped set the stage for the next round of struggle and horror twenty years later.

The historical impacts and signifigance of the treaty are very well documented in the reviews below but I think its interesting to note that on the list it is only barely out pacing "Astroturf" as a bad idea by .02 points. And its way lower than Thong Underwear for Men.

Easily one of the worst designed peace treaties in history, one which created the impetus for much of the conflict that existed through the 20th Century, and even today, especially in the Middle East. The Ottoman Empire was subdivided into competing spheres of influence amongst the French and the British without considering cultural divisions and other factors. National boundaries were designed arbitrarily. Two things made this a bad deal: one, how the territories were divided after the war, and two, the question of reparations. In terms of new territories, the treaty created Yugoslavia, an enlarged Romania, Poland and Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. New states were also created up in the Baltic's, off of the remnant of former Russian territories. New states were created out of the wreckage of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman (Turkish) empire. This was a difficult deal for many parties to swallow because it re-awakened nationalistic sentiments on many sides. Germany's... Read more

The US wanted to remain outsiders with foreign issue and influences of the war since Great Britain had suffered little land losses. Additionally, GB was concerned about war reparations along with continued trade with Germany. However, because of economic issues, the US also wanted to continue trade with Germany as well. Unfortunately, because of conflicting interests, it resulted in a weak compromise that later resulted in WWII.

This is the worst calamity of the 20th Century. Woodrow Wilson carries much of the blame for this travesty. In order to get the League of Nations built into the Treaties, he allowed all sorts of injustices to be laid upon the defeated powers. Rather than the War to End all Wars, this was merely a truce. It gave Hitler and his ilk an winning issue that allowed them to come to power with all the devastation that ensued twenty years later.

This treaty was a sole cause for the war i rate it at 10 ir above

this is all .... absolutely hopeless i gained no information of this for my project at all

definately the beginning of a new catastrophy. like it was said here from many others: versailles is leading almost directly to Hitler and the second WW. out of our perspective it was the last trial to dictate a peace contract without perspectives for the future. to punish a defeated nation completely. germany lost big parts of its east.it was decided that there were financial reparations to pay till 1988. but the most worse thing in the eyes of the germans: they were called the one and only responsibles. to reach that fair justice peace that wilson promised in his 12 points for peace, they had overthrow the monarchy. it was one of wilsons demands: negotiations only with new political leaders. when the contract was presented finally, they had to notice that germany was treated as the one and only responsible. today we know that wilson wasnt able to realize his vision cause especially france was looking for revenge. however the signing of the contract of versailles was from the beginin... Read more

Way to screw up and set the table for round two.

This treaty was a total disaster. Due to the fact that it basically eliminated Germany's army, that country grew hungry for power, and eventually came the rise of the Nazis, and World War II. The Treaty of Versailles, while it may have seemed like a good idea at first, led to the rise of fascism.

One of the most stupid actions of the century. A catastrophe, unmitigated and monstrous. A perfect example of what comes from the impulse to retaliation and revenge. While it may have felt good and even just to the victorious Allies, the death of 55 million people in the Second World War followed inexorably from this terrifying document.

Yup. Talk about something coming back to bite you in the ass.