section B - explain a consequence of the treaty of versailles

point

one key consequence of the treaty of versailles was the harsh terms it placed on germany

evidence

the treaty, signed in 1919 after world war I, the treaty blamed germany for the war and forced to accept full responsibility in the war. as a punishment, germany had to pay huge reparations of 132 billion gold marks (£6.6 billion), loose 13% of its territory, which included huge regions rich in essential raw materials, severely reduced its military to just 100,000 men and banned the country from possessing submarines, tanks or an air force

explain

these harsh terms had a huge impact on germany. the country’s economy was already struggling after the war and the reparations payment pushed it into crisis, causing hyperinflation and unemployment. many germans felt that the treaty was unfair and humiliating. the sense of injustice was used by hitler in the 1930s to gain support by promising to tear up the treaty, rebuild germany’s strength, and restore national pride. the treaty didn’t bring lasting peace, instead, it created the anger and conditions that helped cause the next war.

link

therefore, the treaty of versailles didn't just punish germany, it also helped create the circumstances that led to world war Il, making it one of the most important consequences in modern history.