Treaty of Paris (1920) facts for kids

The 1920 Treaty of Paris was an agreement signed by Romania and some of the main Allied Powers after World War I. These powers included France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. The treaty aimed to officially recognize Romania's control over a region called Bessarabia. However, this treaty never actually became law because Japan did not approve it.

What Was the Treaty of Paris (1920)?

The Treaty of Paris in 1920 was an important document. It was meant to settle a question about a region called Bessarabia. Romania wanted this area to be officially part of its country. The treaty was a way for other powerful nations to agree with Romania's claim.

Who Signed the Treaty?

The main countries that signed this treaty were Romania and four of the major Allied Powers from World War I. These Allied Powers were:

• France
• The United Kingdom (Great Britain)
• Italy
• Japan

These countries were important because they had won the war. Their agreement would make Romania's control over Bessarabia official in the eyes of the world.

What Was Bessarabia?

Bessarabia is a historical region in Eastern Europe. It is located between the Prut River and the Dniester River. Over time, different empires and countries controlled Bessarabia. After World War I, Romania wanted to make sure Bessarabia was recognized as its territory. This was important for Romania's sovereignty, which means its right to govern itself without outside interference.

Why Did the Treaty Not Work?

Even though the treaty was signed, it never actually became a binding law. This means it never officially went into effect.

Japan's Role in the Treaty

The reason the treaty failed was because Japan did not ratify it. To "ratify" a treaty means to formally approve it. Countries usually have their governments or parliaments vote to approve a treaty after it has been signed. If a country does not ratify a treaty, it does not become legally binding for that country.

Japan was one of the key Allied Powers. Without Japan's final approval, the Treaty of Paris (1920) could not be fully enforced. This meant that the international recognition of Romania's control over Bessarabia was not complete.

What Happened Next?

Even though the treaty did not become official, Romania continued to control Bessarabia for some time. The lack of full international recognition, however, meant that the situation remained somewhat uncertain in the long term. This shows how important it is for all parties to a treaty to agree and formally approve it.