The peace conditions imposed upon Germany are so hard, so humiliating, that those who had even the tiniest hope for a ‘just peace’ are bound to be deeply disappointed. Our condemnation of the lust of power and conquest that Germany displayed during the war is strong and unwavering. But a condemnation of wartime actions must not amount to a lasting condemnation of an entire nation. The [Allied Powers] evidently desires the complete annihilation of Germany. Not only will its whole commercial fleet be confiscated, but its shipbuilding yards will be obliged to work for the foreigner for some time to come. Whole regions of Germany will be entirely deprived of their liberty. The financial burden is so heavy that it is no exaggeration to say that Germany is reduced to economic bondage. The Germans will have to work hard for foreign masters, without any chance of personal gain, or any prospect of regaining liberty or economic independence. This ‘peace’ offered to Germany is a mockery of President Wilson’s principles. Trusting in these, Germany surrendered and accepted peace. That confidence has been betrayed in such a manner that all Germans must now feel that they wish to shake off the heavy yoke imposed on them. Chained and enslaved, Germany will always remain a menace to Europe. Source: Algemeen Handelsblad, Dutch Liberal newspaper, editorial on the treatment of Germany after “The Great War,” June 1919. notes
- The peace conditions imposed on Germany after World War I are seen as harsh and humiliating.
- The editorial condemns Germany's lust for power and conquest during the war but argues that condemning wartime actions should not lead to a condemnation of the entire nation.
- The writer believes that the Allied Powers want to completely destroy Germany, evidenced by the confiscation of its commercial fleet and the forced labor in its shipbuilding yards for foreign countries.
- The financial burden imposed on Germany is so severe that it enslaves the country economically.
- The peace offered to Germany is seen as a mockery of President Wilson's principles, which Germany had trusted in when surrendering.
- The writer suggests that Germany, being chained and enslaved, will always remain a threat to Europe.