Source A: The Impact of the Treaty of Versailles

"The Treaty of Versailles was a harsh peace that punished Germany severely. It imposed heavy reparations, limited the German army, and stripped Germany of territory. Many Germans felt humiliated and betrayed, believing the treaty was unfair and contributed to economic hardship and political instability. The government was blamed for accepting such terms, which fueled resentment and unrest. Some argued that the treaty was necessary to prevent future conflict, while others saw it as a betrayal that sowed the seeds for future war. The treaty's terms were widely debated and criticized both in Germany and internationally, shaping the political landscape of the post-war period." Provenance: Anonymous author, 1919, newspaper article