Why did the Treaty of Versailles create resentment in Germany after World War I?

• A. It completely disbanded the German military
• B. It forced Germany to take sole blame for the war and pay reparations
• C. It resulted in the loss of all German territories
• D. It limited German economic recovery

Answer: (B)

The Treaty of Versailles created significant resentment in Germany primarily because it placed the entire blame for World War I on Germany and its allies through the infamous "War Guilt Clause." This clause not only assigned responsibility for the war to Germany but also mandated that Germany pay substantial reparations to the Allied powers. The economic burden of these reparations, which was perceived as excessive and punitive, caused widespread hardship and inflation in Germany, contributing to a national sense of humiliation and injustice. This feeling of being unfairly treated fostered a deep resentment among the German population and political factions, ultimately influencing the rise of extremist movements, including the Nazi Party.

While other factors in the Treaty did affect Germany negatively, the combination of the blame and the reparations had the most profound impact on the national psyche and the country's future political landscape.