Treaty of Versailles

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The Treaty of Versailles was signed between Germany and the Allies on June 28, 1919.  Exacting a harsh punishment, Article 231 of the Treaty forced Germany to accept full responsibility and blame for the war.  This provided the basis for the astronomical reparations demanded by the Allies from Germany: 269 billion gold marks, later reduced to 132 billion on the recommendation of leading economists.  Beyond this, the Treaty gave territory from Germany to a number of surrounding countries, stripped Germany of all overseas and African colonies, and strictly limited its military.  The humiliation and economic cost from these demands are often blamed for the failure of the Weimar Republic in 1933 and Hitler's rise to power.