The Consequences Of The Treaty Of Versailles

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Introduction World War I came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The treaty was signed to create lasting peace. The treaty was negotiated between the three allied powers of Britain, France and the United States with no participation from Germany. The treaty 's negotiations revealed a split between the three allied powers with France intending to weaken Germany in such a manner that it would make it impossible for it to renew hostilities. However, Britain and the United States objected to some of the provisions because of the fear that it would be a pretext for another war. The treaty included fifteen parts and 440 articles specifying Germany 's obligation for the war and its reparations. The Treaty of Versailles had disastrous consequences for Germany because it led to significant financial, material, territorial, and colonial losses. Under the treaty, Germany lost 13 percent of its territory and all of its overseas colonial possessions, limits were imposed on its military, and heavy reparations were imposed. The most controversial part of the treaty was Part VIII that established Germany 's liability for war and the damages of the Allies. It set Germany 's reparations. It had Article 231 in which Germany accepted its responsibility for the Allied damages during the war. Article 231 or the War Guilt Clause raised negative sentiments from Germany 's population giving rise and emboldening the right-wing German parties. It was a precursor

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