History glossary
Diktat
a dictated settlement imposed without genuine negotiation.
- Category
- Political language
- Region
- Germany
- Date range
- 1919-1930s
What it means
Diktat is the German term used by critics of Versailles to describe a peace imposed by the victors rather than negotiated with Germany. The word captured the sense that Germany had been compelled to sign under threat of renewed war.
