Step into 1919 at the Paris Peace Conference: Who were you in the aftermath of WWI?
The guns fell silent in 1918—but the war’s most consequential battle was just beginning.
The Treaty of Versailles didn’t just end World War I—it shaped a fragile peace that would soon be tested by global resentment, rising nationalism, and the seeds of another world war. In this immersive, perspective-based quiz, students explore real Treaty of Versailles debates and discover which Allied nation—France, Britain, the U.S., or Italy—their reasoning most closely aligns with.
Would they have prioritized revenge, restraint, idealism, or national pride?
Engage with the Treaty of Versailles through Historical Perspectives
This isn’t a trivia quiz. It’s a thought-provoking, reflective activity that invites students to step into the world of 1919 and grapple with the dilemmas faced by postwar leaders.
Students begin by taking guided notes on the costs of WWI, the armistice, and the goals of the Paris Peace Conference. Then, they explore ten real-world treaty dilemmas—including reparations, military restrictions, colonial losses, and the war guilt clause—choosing the response that best fits their perspective.
After tallying their scores, students discover which of the Big 4 nations their views most closely reflect. The final reflection asks them to consider how this flawed peace shaped the decades ahead—from the rise of fascism in Germany to Japan’s rationale for bombing Pearl Harbor.
🧠 Topics Covered:
The human, economic, and psychological costs of WWI
The 1918 Armistice and global remembrance
The Paris Peace Conference and international participation
Wilson’s Fourteen Points and the idea of a fair, lasting peace
Competing national priorities: France, Britain, U.S., and Italy
Contested issues: war guilt, reparations, colonial losses, and redrawn borders
Exclusion of Germany and Russia from negotiations
Legacy of the treaty: nationalism, resentment, and the road to WWII
✅ What’s Included:
4-page printable student journal (notes, tracking, reflection)
PDF slide presentation with Treaty context, 10 scenarios, and nation reveal
Perspective-based prompts tied to real treaty debates
Post-quiz reflection questions for deeper analysis
Built-in flexibility for discussion, group work, or independent pacing
Why It Stands Out
Too often, students reduce the Treaty of Versailles to “Germany was punished.” This resource goes deeper—revealing the clashing goals, symbolic choices, and long-term consequences that shaped the 20th century. Instead of memorizing terms, students engage in the same dilemmas faced by world leaders, helping them understand not just what happened, but why it mattered.
It’s also a powerful bridge to understanding WWII. From the discontent that fueled Hitler’s rise to Japan’s postwar frustrations, this activity helps students connect how the past shaped the next global crisis.
Pairs Perfectly With:
Use alongside Who Lit the Fuse? Tracing the Spark of WWI—a free interactive quiz that explores the origins of the war. Together, they provide a full-circle look at both the outbreak and aftermath of the Great War.