Story: First World War

Pen used for signing of Treaty of Versailles

Pen used for signing of Treaty of Versailles

Prime Minister William Massey attended the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 as a member of the British Empire delegation. At the conference he worked to uphold a strong and united British Empire and expressed some scepticism about the League of Nations. However, he also pushed New Zealand's particular interests especially in obtaining mandate status for New Zealand's role in Samoa. His signing of the resulting Treaty of Versailles was an important mark of New Zealand nationhood.

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How to cite this page:

Ian McGibbon, 'First World War - Impact of the war', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/34142/pen-used-for-signing-of-treaty-of-versailles (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ian McGibbon, published 20 Jun 2012