Versailles: The Peace to End all Peace

Free. On Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m. a program commemorating the end of the First World War: “Versailles: The Peace to End all Peace” will take place at the Hancock House.

“ The Treaty of Versailles was the most important of the treaties signed to end the hostilities we call the First World War,” said program presenter Brian O’Connor. “However, it may well have led to the Second World War, and certainly was responsible for resentment, instability and unrest in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The consequences of the treaty are with us still today.”

The Treaty was negotiated in the early months of 1919, and signed by the Allies on June 28 of that year. The Treaty included 15 parts and 440 articles, including a provision for the creation of the League of Nations. President Woodrow Wilson was instrumental in the crafting of the Treaty and the creation of the League of Nations. The Treaty would turn out to be a major failure of Wilson’s administration, however, as Congress refused to ratify it, citing its concerns with the proposed League of Nations.

Brian O’Connor is the Library Director for North Country Community College. He completed doctoral coursework at the University of Connecticut, holds an M.A. in History from Florida Atlantic University, and an M.S.L.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Reservations are not necessary to attend the free program, but seats may be reserved by calling 518-585-7868 or via e-mail to tihistory@bridgepoint1com. Refreshments will be served.