The Versailles Treaty Essay Example

individuals in total; furthermore, officers including staff members must be limited to four thousand in number.

The piece underscores the role of the military in preserving domestic peace and protecting Germany's boundaries. The enforcement of specific rules led to a reduced impact of the German Army, setting the stage for France to emerge as a leading military force. This shift sparked concerns among Germans regarding their personal safety and defense strategies. These fears were exacerbated by the aftermath of World War II, further eroding their feeling of security.

The destruction resultant from World War I was vast and the triumphant countries demanded reparations from Germany to compensate for this aftermath. As per the Versailles Treaty, Germany had to accept responsibility for compensating all harm caused to civilians and their properties by the Allied and Associated powers during wartime (DOC C #1). The sum of reparations required from Germany was evaluated by an Inter-Allied Commission, which examined these claims while providing Germany with the opportunity to offer its defense.

Article 233 of the Treaty of Versailles mandated the Commission to create a comprehensive plan for full reparation payments over a span of thirty years, commencing from May 1, 1921. The agreed upon compensation amount was 132 billion gold marks, which is roughly $367 billion in today's value (2010). This decision led to feelings of outrage and humiliation among Germans as they were only able to settle a small part within the next decade. By 1929, this remaining sum had been reduced approximately to $341 billion or about 112 billion gold marks in current terms. However, Germany could only afford to pay two billion

gold marks over the subsequent three years, excluding loans received from America (Document C #2).

The accord also mandates that if Germany does not meet its commitments, any remaining unpaid amount may be postponed for future settlement or handled alternatively as decided by the Allied and Associated Government (DOC D #1). The Versailles Treaty's Article 231, also referred to as the War Guilt Clause, necessitated that Germany accept full culpability for instigating World War I and required them to provide compensation to the Allied and Associated Governments (DOC D #1).

The provision was grounded in the claim for compensation. However, this agreement was perceived by Germans as extremely unjust and damaging, worthy of abolition. The treaty had a profound impact on the German consciousness, invoking feelings of humiliation and dishonor exclusively. Consequently, the rise of Nazi Germany ignited a resurgence in German spirits as Hitler revitalized the nation, restoring their dignity and self-esteem, resulting in a reshaped international perspective of Germany.

While the Treaty of Versailles wasn't the only driving force, it was instrumental in sparking off World War II. This agreement, together with various other elements, stirred feelings of disgrace and resentment among German troops. Ironically, this treaty - originally designed to prevent future global conflicts - ended up triggering a much more extensive uprising. The causes included territorial forfeitures, stringent military limitations, financial indemnities for war damages, and the controversial War Guilt Clause.

Sources: DOC A: Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1924, DOC B: Treaty of Versailles, 1919, Article 160, and German political cartoon, 1920, DOC C #1: Treaty of Versailles, 1919, Articles 232 and 233, DOC C #2:

Chart compiled from varied sources including John Maynard Keynes, The Economic Consequences of the Peace, 1920; Charles Mee, the End of Order: Versailles, 1919, DOC D #1: Treaty of Versailles, 1919, Article 231, DOC D #2: Laurence V. Moyer, Victory Must Be Ours: Germany in the Great War 1914-1918, 1995