The preliminary 'Treaty of Versailles of 1871' ended the
Franco-Prussian War. It was signed by
Otto von Bismarck for
Germany and
Adolphe Thiers for
France. It was ratified in the same year in the
Treaty of Frankfurt (
1871-05-10).
France ceded
Alsace (excluding the
Territory of Belfort) and the
Lorraine departement of
Moselle, including
Metz, to Germany and agreed to pay an indemnity of 5 billion francs. It also provided that German occupation troops remain until payment was completed.