What was a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany?

• A. Gained more territories
• B. No responsibility for the war
• C. Paid reparations
• D. Formed new alliances

Answer: (C)

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, had significant consequences for Germany following World War I. One of the primary stipulations of the treaty was that Germany was held responsible for the war and subsequently required to pay substantial reparations to the Allied powers. This marked a critical turning point in Germany's economy and significantly contributed to the economic hardship that the country faced during the 1920s and early 1930s.

The focus on reparations aimed to compensate the nations that suffered as a result of the conflict, but it also fostered resentment and anger among the German populace, leading to political instability and contributing to the rise of extremist political movements, including the Nazis. This reparative burden was widely felt as unjust by many Germans, which had lasting implications for the societal and political landscape of the country.

In contrast, the other potential outcomes—gaining more territories, being absolved of war responsibility, or forming new alliances—did not occur as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. Instead, Germany lost territories and experienced severe limitations in its military capabilities, further delineating the treaty's punitive nature.