How valid is the view that Germany was treated leniently in

The German public were outraged after the signing of the treaty, as popular belief was that it had been a defensive war and in no way was Germany to blame. The treaty was looked upon as harsh and unfair, with a grave humiliation placed over Germany. “Today Germ

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In my opinion the treaty was slightly harsh, however in the long run the view that Germany was treated lenient in the settlement is correct. The fact remains that Germany had invaded Belgium while it was still neutral, leading to Britain having to step in due to an agreement, which they had made previously with Belgium. Many argue that the Germans had done a great deal in the war to become black listed with gas weapons, becoming a great threat to all countries. Although demilitarising in the left bank of the Rhine and territory fifty kilometres to the east was included in the treaty of Versailles. Thus crippling her as the removal of Alsace and Lorraine an important industrial area would make it harder for Germany to pay the reparations back. Also if examining the severity of the treaty it is lenient compared to the Brest-Litovsk treaty forced upon Russia by Germany in 1917.

The agreement disallowing Germany to ever unite with Austria did have just cause and it can be seen that if it had been allowed then the two powers that had been defeated would end the war larger and more powerful. an honour is dragged to the grave”, one paper’s view on the settlement.

Although evidence does show that Germany had been treated leniently during the settlement. Also the restrictions imposed were only in the interests of Europe and the prevention of an other war, through the army reduction to 100,ooo men.

To concluded the treaty of Versailles was in some ways extremely harsh on Germany and did drastically change her way of life through loss of land and reparations, which would later lead to hyperinflation.

The German foreign minister Brockdorff-Rantza commented that the bases of the treaty, which was to blame Germany for the war was incorrect. Thus causing Russia to lose 9/10ths of her coalmines, half her industries and a 1/3 of her population. “The demand is made that we alone are guilty of having caused the war… such a confession in my mouth would be a lie.

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Approximate Word count = 963
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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