2017-02-18 Sat

The famous Versailles Peace Congress that marked the end of the World War I was commemorated in the cancellation on the illustrated cover in the year 1919.

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.

This French cover was struck at the Versailles Peace Congress on 7th May 1919. The cover is attached with the green 5 centime liberty, equality, fraternity stamp and the camine 10c rights of man stamp.

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.