Title: What were the negative effects of the Treaty of Versailles? - eNotes.com
Headings: What were the negative effects of the Treaty of Versailles?
World War I
What were the negative effects of the Treaty of Versailles?
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The treaty of Versailles had negative effects not only to Germany, but the entire world as well. To begin with, the treaty significantly deviated from the “Fourteen Points” proposed by President Woodrow Wilson causing Germany to develop a negative attitude towards it from the very onset. The terms of the treaty were very punitive and adversely impacted Germany socially, economically and politically. The “war-guilt” clause and reparation measures of the treaty elicited such resentment on the Germans towards the other nations and in particular France and Britain. Even though the Germans were affected by a deep-seated resentment, their nationalism bond grew stronger. Economically, Germany was crippled and social-politically, the Hitler led Nazi party caused epic distraction as exemplified by the Holocaust. The treaty also had a weakness in its disarmament policy and this ambiguity left room for Germany to maneuver and strengthen itself. In addition to the above, the Allies disagreed in almost all matters with regard to the treaty and so its full implementation was a flop. As a result, Germany had the opportunity to recoup economically and politically, contrary to what the treaty hoped for in its quest for everlasting peace and stability.