question_answer

Describe the effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany.                 Or Discuss any three major clauses of the 'Treaty of Versailles'?                    Or The Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds of the Second World War. Justify.  

Answer:

                This treaty had a far reaching impact and paved the way for the rise of Nazism in Germany and the Second World War. (i) After signing this treaty, Germany lost its overseas colonies, a tenth of its population, 13 per cent of its territories, 75 per cent of its iron and 26 per cent of its coal to France, Poland, Denmark and Lithuania. (ii) The war guilt clause held Germany responsible for the war and Germany was forced to pay compensation amounting to £6 billion. (iii) The treaty made provisions for demilitarization of Germany to further weaken it. Thus, the Treaty of Versailles was harsh, humiliating and devastating for the economy and national honour of the Germans. Its clauses became the causes for the rise of Nazism.