World Stamps
Versailles Peace Congress that ended World War I commemorated on 1919 cancellation

By Ken Lawrence
The Versailles Peace Congress, commemorated in the cancellation on the illustrated cover, brought together delegates from 27 nations, but the treaties imposed on defeated Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire were dictated by the so-called “Big Four” countries: France, Britain, Italy, and the United States.
Japan, the fifth victorious major belligerent in World War I, was awarded trusteeship over strategically important former German colonies in the Pacific Ocean, but otherwise enjoyed only minimal influence among the Atlantic allies.
The terms of the Versailles Treaty, signed June 28, 1919, held Germany solely to blame for the war and imposed drastically punitive reparations costs on the defeated foe. Historians today believe that the treaty created and nurtured conditions that brought the Nazi Party to power after hyperinflation and depression had impoverished Germany.
Connect with Linn’s Stamp News:
Sign up for our newsletter
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
The congress also created the League of Nations, which proved incapable of keeping the peace, largely owing to the fact that isolationist politicians prevented the United States from becoming a member.
In those respects, this cover reminds us that wise victors in war are merciful, not vindictive, and that world powers must participate actively in institutions of global diplomacy as the price of avoiding catastrophic military conflict.
MORE RELATED ARTICLES
Headlines
-
Postal Updates
Nov 30, 2023, 1 PMUSPS posts $6.5 billion loss in 2023, expects loss in 2024
-
World Stamps
Nov 29, 2023, 1 PMLuxembourg’s first stamp, issued in 1852, is affordable used
-
Postal Updates
Nov 28, 2023, 1 PMPuerto Rico celebrates 530 years with postmark, parade
-
US Stamps
Nov 27, 2023, 4 PMScott U.S. Pocket catalog receives updated look