History of the Paris Peace Treaties and the Treaty of Trianon

Armistices and the Conclusion of Hostilities in $1918$

• The Armistice of Padua (Padova): This agreement was established on November $3$, $1918$, marking a critical cessation of hostilities on the Italian front.
• German Capitulation: On November $11$, $1918$, Germany officially capitulated and exited the war. This event effectively ended the active combat of World War I.

Definitions of Post-War Agreements

• Armistice (Fegyverszünet): Characterized as a temporary pause or hiatus occurring between two periods of combat or two separate wars.
• Peace Treaty (Béke): A formal, legally binding document that requires the signatures of every involved party. Unlike an armistice, a peace treaty is designed for the thorough stabilization and legal resolution of the environment following the conclusion of active fighting.

The Paris Peace Conference and Negotiation Framework

• Commencement of Negotiations: The formal peace negotiations began on January $18$, $1919$.
• Location: The proceedings were centered in Paris and its surrounding areas (Surroundings), including locations such as Versailles.
• Presentation of Terms: The post-war settlement plan was formally presented to the Defeated States.
• Peace Dictates (Békediktátumok): The agreements reached during this period are characterized as dictates. This terminology emphasizes that the terms were formulated and imposed by the victors rather than being the result of open, bilateral negotiations with the losing powers.
• The Big Four (Bigfor): The primary decisions and dictated terms were established and driven by the key leading powers, collectively known as "The Big Four."