Before the historic agreement between the United States and Iran signed Wednesday evening in Versailles by Donald Trump, the Sun King castle was the scene of numerous treaties which shaped European and world history. So yes, there is the post-First World War Treaty of Versailles that we learn about in class, but there have been quite a few others before. Less known, but just as important. Little recap.
1756, 1757 and 1758: Treaties between France and Austria (then many others)
What happened? A defensive alliance between Louis XV and Maria Theresa of Austria. In 1757, it did it again for the better. France, Austria but also Saxony, Sweden and Russia united against Frederick II of Prussia. 1758: we still take the same ones, no new additions, but we further strengthen the military alliance.
Why is it important? This “reversal of alliances” puts an end to the traditional hostility between the two powers which liked to beat each other up and prepares the Seven Years’ War against Prussia and Great Britain.
1768: Treaty between France and the Republic of Genoa
What happened? Genoa cedes its rights over Corsica to France in exchange for financial and military aid. France definitively annexed the island in 1769.
Why is it important? Because a certain Napoleon Bonaparte was born this year in Corsica and is therefore French. A character who will have a certain importance in the History of France, Europe and the world.
1783: Agreements between France, Spain, Great Britain (and the United States)
What happened? The agreements put an end to the hostilities of the American War of Independence. Technically, the capitulation of the English forces was signed at Yorktown, in the United States, and the independence of the nation was officially recognized by England in Paris. But it was at Versailles that the hyperpowers agreed among themselves on the fate of the nascent United States. France obtains colonial and commercial advantages, lastingly weakening its British rival.
Why is it important? Because we are talking about the future first world power.
Treaty between France and Nguyá (future Emperor Gia Long of Vietnam)
What happened? France provides military support to the Vietnamese lord in exchange for commercial and territorial privileges.
Why is it important? It lays the foundations of French influence in Indochina in the 19th century.
1871: Treaty between victorious Germany and France
What happened? It is the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Unified Germany, which crushed the French army, took the opportunity to annex Alsace and Lorraine, impose a heavy indemnity on France and proclaim the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors.
Why is it important? Because this national humiliation for France will fuel vengeful sentiment and opens the beginnings of the First World War. It is also the “official” birth of Germany, still the leading European power today.
1919: Treaty of Versailles between the Allies and Germany
What happened? Signed on June 28 in the Hall of Mirrors, it put an end to the First World War. Massive repairs, demilitarization, territorial losses and “war guilt” clause, it is perceived as a diktat by the Germans.
Why is it important? The First World War ends here, while Germany, in turn, will want its revenge, partly leading to the Second World War.
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