The treaty that ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations on Germany was the Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919. This treaty established the framework for post-war peace but is often criticized for its harsh terms, including significant territorial losses, disarmament, and reparations payments imposed on Germany. These punitive measures contributed to economic hardship and political instability in Germany, laying the groundwork for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II. The Treaty of Versailles remains a pivotal event in 20th-century history.