Versailles Treaty Just and Fair to Germany
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At the end of World War I Germany was defeated and her soldiers were permitted to march back into Germany in order to keep some dignity and self respect; some soldiers stopped along the way to fight off invading Communists. The winning Allies allowing Germany to have this last chance of dignity and hope was pointless for after the Treaty of Versailles, Germans were left sorrowful, ashamed, bitter, and eager for vengeance. In January of 1919 twenty-seven nations in total, including the Big Three: France, led by Clemenceau; Britain, led by George; and the United States of America, led by Wilson began to draw up the terms for the peace treaty meant for the defeated Germany in Paris, France. By May of 1919 the Treaty of Versailles was completed but left no nation fully satisfied. In the end, France did not feel secure enough; Wilson did not think self rule of new nations was evident enough; and George feared that the harsh punishment would leave Germany vulnerable enough to fall under Communist rule. On 28 June 1919 members of the German government went to the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France and with little choice, signed the Treaty of Versailles. This Treaty left Germany ready to crumble apart, destroying it militarily, economically, and politically.
Saying that Germany felt weak, inadequate and dishonored by the destruction of Her military is most likely an understatement. Germany once a force to be reckoned with was stripped down to a pitiful nation that could barely even protect Herself. The Treaty stated that Germany was not permitted to have any submarines, any more than six battleships, or any new craft that weighed in over 10,000 tonnes...