Peace Treaty Ending World War I Signed in Paris, June 28, 1919

Johannes Bell of Germany is portrayed as signing the peace treaties on June 28, 1919 in this painting by Sir William Orpen.

From the Wilson Daily Times, June 28, 1919

The War Is Over. . . The Peace Treaty Was Signed at 3:12 This Morning, Paris Time, And Ovation Given the Big Three, Wilson, Clemenceau and David Lloyd-George Was Immense

E.O.S., Versailles, Hall of Mirrors, June 28—President Wilson and the American delegates completed the signing of the Peace Treaty at 3:15 o’clock, Paris time. It was signed by Dr. von Mueller at 3:12 and Dr. Johanne Bell for Germany at 3:13. The American delegation then affixed their names to the instrument in the following order: Secretary Lansing, Colonel House and General Bliss. The other delegates followed with the British next and the French and Italian and the smaller nations.

The Epochal meeting occurred in the hall of Mirrors where the delegates assembled at 3 o’clock and the German delegates affixed their signatures at 3:12 followed by the American delegates and the delegates of other nations. A box of old fashioned goose quills, which were sharpened by the official sharpener of the French Foreign office, were provided for the delegates who desired the old and formal way of using quills for signing State documents. President Wilson, David Lloyd George and Premier Clemenceau all affixed their names to the document together with the delegates sent to represent Italy and the Japanese. The Chinese delegation refused to sign because they were not allowed to make reservations. General Jan Christian Smutts, one of the delegates representing the Union of South Africa, signed the treaty under protest. He objected to certain stipulations in the treaty which he said would injury the industrial condition and status of the South African States.

Premier Clemenceau, David Lloyd George and President Wilson left the Hall in the same automobile amid cheering throngs. The crowd brushed the cordon aside and followed them cheering enthusiastically. Cannon boomed and air planes hovered over the historic city.

President Wilson, in an address to the American people, informs them that the war is over, and requests them to accept the Peace treaty and the League of Nations just as it is and without change or reservation.

Quiet in Washington

Official Washington took the signing of the peace treaty today calmly and quietly in marked contrast to the riotous demonstration which marked the signing of the armistice. The marine band serenade of Congress on the Capitol plaza was the only noteworthy celebration of the historic ceremony.