However, this was not the only absolutely uncompromising term. On top of this there were the “Reparations.” A staggering amount of compensation had to be paid back to the victorious nations. The sum of money (6.6 billion) was almost irrelevant as France and Britain were fully aware that it was a far too inflated amount. However, it created a massive affect on Germans psychologically. The German economy consequently crashed and German people were left feeling embarrassed crushed and sour, which were definitely the treaties intentions. The bitterness therefore continued to rise, as Germany was unable to pay these ludicrous reparations, they were an ashamed nation whose economy and industry had been completely shattered by this reparations. Taxes spiralled and furthermore disgruntled the German people.
The Reparations were made even harder to cope with as New Borders were created and the German overseas empire was taken away, therefore German lost land rich with coal and the heart of there industry. This created vast un-employment and even less opportunity to clear their debts, Germany was reduced terribly as a nation and lost many sources of income. Creating a further sense of anguish and dishonour and overall bitterness. Another strike in the heart of the nation which was being “hit whilst down.” The nation became smaller in population and land, therefore more vulnerable.
Unemployment, vulnerability and the increasing inability to pay taxes furthered as Germany faced the “Disarmament” clause that cut its once elaborate army to a mere 100,000 men. With no tanks, warplanes or submarines tolerated. This had a major affect on the nation as the people felt unsafe and Germany became an “easy target.” Germany had lost its economy and now its power, more men were put out of work and the vicious cycle continued. The nations insecurity reached a new high and this increased the bitterness towards the victorious nations greatly.
The final blow was the “ League of Nations” an elite group which would insure the peace in the world. An elite group, which did not include Germany. They were disregarded and almost “spat on “ by other countries. Consequently there was a massive amount of humiliation for Germany as a country and a world power; Germans who had pride in their country were disheartened and angered. Germany was now a nation full to the brim with bitterness for the treaty and the victorious countries.
Overall, these terms immensely enraged the Germans and created a huge sense of bitterness. They were a crippled nation being attacked by the treaty and its merciless terms, which just created woe after woe for the nation. In conclusion I believe the “War Guilt Clause “ was the clause that really demoralized and hurt Germany, it linked to all the other clauses and was definitely the most important of the terms.
Anthony Marcou
Miss Scott