Was the Treaty of Versailles harsh or lenient to Germany?

Essay by evelyn__zzzJunior High, 8th grade March 2006

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The Treaty of Versailles was harsh to Germany. The reparations to the Allies was a heavy burden to Germany, it could not rebuild the economy after the war. The territorial arrangement led to loss of land and loss of Germans. The disarmament weakened its military power.

Firstly, reparation of $6,600 millions for the losses and damages caused by the war to the Allies was a heavy burden to Germany. It had no money but it needed to pay for the reparation, it cannot rebuilt its economy.

Secondly, Alsace-Lorraine was forced to return to France. The coal mines of Saar Basin in Germany was put under the control of the League of Nations for 15 years. During this time, the French had the control of the coal mines. Danzig became a free city under the rule of the League of Nations. The German province was cut off by the Polish Corridor in order to give Poland an outlet to the Baltic Sea.

Also, Germany had to give up all its colonial possessions. This territorial arrangement led to loss of land and loss of Germans. Especially for the Saar Basin, it is very important to their economy. These simulate the Germans.

Thirdly, Germany was totally disarmed. To protect France and Belgium from the attack from Germany, Rhineland was demilitarised for 15 years. This treaty clause totally weakened its military power.

Fourthly, Germany was declared guilty of causing the war. It was harsh that this war was not all Germany's guilty, but it was forced to admit the responsibility. It is unreasonable.

In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles was harsh to Germany.