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 13. Which of the following accurately explains the historical significance of the harsh conditions imposed on Germany that the editorial describes? 1) They led to a successful communist revolution in Germany. 2) They triggered a massive wave of emigration from Germany. 3) They resulted in the deindustrialization of Germany. 4) They encouraged the rise of a totalitarian state in Germany. 14. The conditions described in the excerpt were imposed on Germany as a direct result of which document? 1) The Treaty of Paris 2) The Munich Agreement 3) The Treaty of Versailles 4) The Atlantic Charter
The historical significance of the harsh conditions imposed on Germany, as described in the editorial, is that they encouraged the rise of a totalitarian state in Germany.
The conditions described in the excerpt were imposed on Germany as a direct result of the Treaty of Versailles.