Describe how the Treaty of Versailles weakened Germany

The war reparations issued in the Treaty of Versailles against Germany after WW2 were very harsh, to punish them as the other European countries (France, England) laid all blame for the war on Germany. The reparations they owed costed Germany millions which were impossible to pay back, leading Germany to take loans from the US and print more money, in turn causing the hyperinflation that ruined Germany's economy. Germany's industry was damaged, leaving little production to grow the economy as well as agricultural land being lost. Germany had minimal chance of rebuilding their economy because of the Treaty of Versailles conditions against them while feeling the reparations were hugely unfair. A weakened economy like Germany's during that time lead to the people looking for political leaders promising to right the wrongs of the treaty, explaining the growth of far-right parties.

Answered by Florence H. History tutor

3588 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How would you approach the analysis of a primary source


How should I structure my GCSE History essay?


(AQA, 12 marks) Which of the following had greater impact on the German people? - The Treaty of Versailles - The hyperinflation crisis of 1923. Explain your answer with reference to both events.


Labour’s ultimate purpose was the establishment of a Socialist Commonwealth of Great Britain. Can the achievements of the Attlee years be regarded as a significant step in that direction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences