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Week Two Case Study: Versailles
Melyssa Ritter
DeVry University
Contemporary History
May 2016

Week Two Case Study: Versailles The Treaty of Versailles was a text of peace that was written by Germany’s Allies and disagreeably signed by Germany. It was intended to end the First World War and to prevent the Second World War. The treaty contained many parts and articles; one being The League of Nations that was created by United States president, Woodrow Wilson. As a result of the treaty, Germany was forced to reduce the size of their army and they were restricted heavy artillery. They also lost a great deal of their land and money. Instead of preventing World War II, The Treaty of Versailles activated it (Brower& Sanders, 2014).
Germany’s Economy
In the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was instructed to lose a great deal of their land including Saar, West Prussia, Malmedy, Memel, Danzig, and Upper Silesia. These pieces of land were given to other countries like Belgium, France, Lithuania, and Poland. When Germany lost their land, they also lost their farms and industries making them also lose their economy. As part of the treaty, Germany was to pay Great Britain, Belgium, and France a large sum of money, adding to the economical stress (Brower et al, 2014). This was punishment to pay for all of the damage that World War I caused. The decline in Germany’s economy caused hyperinflation (Comments of the German Delegation, 1919).
Applying Principles Attributed to Wilson
The Treaty of Versailles strictly put all of the blame of World War I on Germany. As a result, the treaty only punished Germany by making them pay for the war, taking their land, ruining their economy, and preventing them a strong army and heavy artillery. United States president, Woodrow Wilson disagreed and did not blame Germany for everything with World War I and put blame on the existing

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