The author views the Treaty of Versailles as backward-looking, as it was focused on punishing Germany for its role in World War I rather than creating a lasting and sustainable peace. The treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany, which ultimately contributed to economic hardships and political instability in the country, paving the way for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II. By emphasizing retribution over reconciliation, the Treaty of Versailles failed to address the underlying causes of the conflict and ultimately set the stage for future conflicts.
