To what extent was The Treaty of Versailles fair, and what were the consequences for Germany?

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To what extent was The Treaty of Versailles fair, and what were the consequences for Germany?

The Treaty of Versailles was intended to be a peace agreement between the Allies and the Germans after the First World War ended in 1918. The Treaty was signed in Paris at the Versailles Palace, which involved the Allies (France, England, USA), and Germany. The immense Palace allowed a great number of politicians to be involved but the three most important were, Georges Clemenceau (France), Woodrow Wilson (USA) and David Lloyd George (England).

The treaty of Versailles was mainly created to humiliate, weaken and punish Germany for the First World War. Although the “Big Three” denied it by saying that, it was a treaty to the purpose of stabilize and to maintain everlasting peace in Europe. The main costs for Germany in the Treaty were the following:

  • Pay 132 billion gold marks in reparations to countries, which had been damaged by the Germans.
  • Germany lost one eighth of all its land and all of its colonies.
  • The German army was to be restricted to 100,000 men, there was to be no conscription, no tanks or heavy artillery and no general staff.
  • The German navy was restricted to 15,000 men and no submarines, while the fleet was limited to six battleships, six cruisers and 12 destroyers.
  • Part of Germany was given to Poland so that the new country would have access to the sea at Danzig (Gdansk). This separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany.
  • The Rhineland was , no soldiers, military equipment or buildings were allowed within 30 miles of the east bank of the river.

Although these consequences mentioned above were awaful for Germany, the biggest problem that they had was article 231 (war guilt clause) stated in the Treaty of Versailles. The article solely blamed Germany for the war. This is what it said : "The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies."

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This was the most polemic and difficult clause that Germany had to accept. It seems weird that the “Big Three” would treat Germany this way after they too, had been in the war. Both sides did Fighting and killing but only the Germans were punished.

In my opinion, it is very hard to say if the Treaty was fair or not, because it all depends in which point of view you are looking at

In the point of view of the “Big Three”, the treaty was perfect. Every one of the three leaders got some ...

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