What did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk accomplish?

• A. It brought peace between the Allies and Central Powers
• B. It ended Russia's involvement in World War I
• C. It expanded military cooperation among the Central Powers
• D. It endorsed colonial expansions of European powers

Answer: (B)

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, signed in March 1918 between the new Bolshevik government of Russia and the Central Powers, specifically ended Russia's participation in World War I. This treaty came in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, as the new regime sought to withdraw Russia from a conflict that had caused significant upheaval and suffering within the country. The terms of the treaty were harsh for Russia, as it ceded vast territories to Germany and its allies, but the primary achievement of the treaty was indeed the cessation of hostilities for Russia. This decision was driven by the Bolsheviks' desire to focus on internal matters, as well as their ideological commitment to end the war, which they viewed as an imperialist conflict.