This preliminary treaty ended the Franco-Prussian War, marking Prussia's emergence as the dominant military power in Europe and France's decline from continental supremacy.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 26 February 1871
- Armistice date
- 28 January 1871
- Ratified by
- Treaty of Frankfurt, 10 May 1871
- French signatory
- Adolphe Thiers, Third French Republic
- German signatory
- Otto von Bismarck, German Empire
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Franco-Prussian War resulted in a decisive German military victory, culminating in the siege of Paris. On 28 January 1871, the Government of National Defense surrendered to German forces, signing an armistice brokered by Jules Favre and Otto von Bismarck at Versailles to end the siege.
On 26 February 1871, Adolphe Thiers of the Third French Republic and Otto von Bismarck of the newly formed German Empire signed a preliminary peace treaty at Versailles. The agreement formalized the armistice terms and established the framework for a permanent settlement ending the Franco-Prussian War.
The preliminary treaty was ratified and expanded by the Treaty of Frankfurt on 10 May 1871, which confirmed German supremacy on the European continent. France was displaced as the dominant military power, and the newly proclaimed German Empire consolidated its position as the leading continental state.
Political Outcome
France accepted defeat in the Franco-Prussian War; the German Empire was confirmed as the dominant military power in Europe, replacing France.
France was the dominant military power on the European continent.
The German Empire replaced France as the dominant military power in Europe.