Definition and Purpose of an Armistice
An armistice refers to a stoppage of all hostilities—the agreement to end a war. On June 28, 1919, Germany and the Allied Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War 1.
Under international law, an armistice is a legal agreement that ends fighting between the "belligerent parties" of a war or conflict.
Effects of War
The effects of war include mass destruction of cities and have long lasting effects on a country’s economy. Armed conflict has important indirect negative consequences on infrastructure public health provision and social order.
Conclusion and Aftermath of Wars
How a war is formally ended?
An armistice refers to a stoppage of all hostilities—the agreement to end a war. On June 28, 1919, Germany and the Allied Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War I.
The modern law of war is made up from three principal sources: Lawmaking treaties (or conventions), the Constitution which divides war powers between Congress and the president, and case law.
World War II ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945, but both May 8 and May 9 are celebrated as Victory in Europe Day. This double celebration occurs because the Germans surrendered to the Western Allies on May 8, and a separate surrender took place on May 9 in Russia.
On September 2, 1945, World War II ended when U.S. General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay along with a flotilla of over 250 Allied warships.
The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, formally ended World War I and imposed punitive measures upon Germany, including territorial losses and payment of war reparations. The treaty established the League of Nations to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
Historical Context of World War I and II
What was the end of WWI called?
The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I on June 28, 1919. Germany signed an armistice to stop fighting in 1918. The Treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany. Some people hoped World War I would be "the war to end all wars", but it was not.
World War II started 20 years after World War I ended. The U.S. entered World War I in 1917. Germany invaded neutral Belgium in 1914 to attack France. Trench warfare lasted for years. New technologies like airplanes, tanks and chemical weapons made World War I very deadly. Over 15 million people died.
The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to give up territory, reduce its military, pay reparations to the Allies and take responsibility for the war. This destabilized Europe and helped cause World War II. Russia had a communist revolution in 1917 and withdrew from the war. The war had long lasting negative effects like destruction of cities, infrastructure damage, economic hardship and loss of life.