Was the treaty of Versailles a fair treaty? World war I began in 1914 and lasted for five years, and it ended in 1919 with the defeat of central powers. The war took place between two rival blocs, allied powers ( represented by USA, UK, France) and Central powers (included Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Ottoman Empire ). This was devastating for both sides but had a more adverse impact on the countries which were defeated. World war I saw technological changes in modern warfare. For example, the use of new equipment and air force became prevalent. The war had begun as an immediate result of the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand of Austria who was killed by Serbian Secret societies. The war had other causes as well like militarism and armament race, a system of alliances, economic rivalries, etc. The war concluded with the treaty of Versailles which was imposed on Germany. This way the treaty came into existence. After the discussion and investigation spread over several months the big powers succeeded in completing the draft of the Treaty of Versailles which was concluded with Germany. Germany signed on the streets on June 28, 1919. After this the treaties were also concluded with other defeated countries like Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Turkey, ete, all the above treaties including the Treaty of Versailles were combined into one and that was called the Treaty of Paris. The provisions regarding the establishment of the League of Nations were included in all the treaties. After a discussion of about four months, the allies completed the draft of the Treaty which was to be concluded with Germany on 7th May 1919. This harsh draft was submitted before the representatives of the German government in a conference to study the document and give their suggestions if any. After a careful study of the draft of the treaty, the German government gave few suggestions to change, adjust and amend the provisions, terms, and clauses of the draft. Out of these recommendations, some were accepted, and the amended document was again submitted to Germany on June 16 with the condition that the document should be accepted by June 23. It was made clear that in case Germany did not accept the draft with the due date an attack would be made upon Germany, the national assembly of the German Weimar Republic agreed to sign the peace document as there was no other alternative. At last, Germany signed the draft on June 28, 1919, under compulsion as Germany was helpless and too weak to fight after that other delegates of different countries also signed. Thus the Treaty of Versailles was formulated. The main territorial provinces of Alsace and Lauren were taken away from Germany and were given back to France. Germany had to give Eupen and Malmedy to Belgium. The province of Posen, most of West Russia, and a part of upper Silesia were given to Poland which proved to be an apple of discord in the future. According to a decision taken by a plebiscite Northern part of Schleswig was given to Denmark while the southern part remained under the control of Germany as before. Germany had to give away the province of Mammal. The polish territories were taken from the possession of Germany, Austria, and Russia in this way Poland was again established as an independent state and a corridor was also given to Poland for reaching the Baltic Sea. The port of Danzi was snatched away from the possession of Germany and it was made a free city under the protection of the League of Nations and Poland was given special rights in this city. During the course of War Germany had destroyed the coal mines of France situated in the Northern part of the country. France was therefore serious about taking over the Saar basin from Germany. This territory was very prosperous in coal, keeping in view the destruction of the coal mines of Saar, this territory would remain under the protection of the League of Nations for 15 years. The free nationhood of Belgium, Poland, and Czechoslovakia was accepted and guaranteed by Germany and its allies forever. Germany lost its rights in China, Turkey, Morocco, Bulgaria, and other Colonies. German militarism was generally considered as one of the chief causes of the first world war of 1914 the allies, therefore, decided to dismantle the German military machine. For this purpose many provisions were made in the Treaty of Versailles, the strength of the German army might not exceed more than 1 lakh soldiers including 4000 officers. The general staff of the army was dissolved, the universal compulsory military service was Forbidden and abolished. Germany had to abandon the fortification of the port of Heligoland, and she gave Assurance not to make an effort in this connection in the future. Germany was prohibited from maintaining any fortification or stationing any soldier on the left Bank of Rhine or in a zone 50 km on the right bank. The German army was prohibited from having the characteristic equipment of the machine age, and it was applied to renounce the use of heavy artillery, tanks, poisonous gas, and airplanes. And so on. Germany had to surrender the fleet to allies particularly to Britain. For the future the German Navy was restricted to six battleships, six-light Cruises, 12 torpedo boats, and 12 Destroyer Germany was Forbidden to keep any submarines even for commercial purposes. In conclusion, from the above provisions, it is clear that the Treaty of Versailles had harsh provisions.