German reaction to the Treaty of Versailles

• German's did not feel that they had started the war and felt that the guilt had to be shared. The people were bitter that they had to pay the reparations event though that their economy was severely weakened.
• Germany lost :

  • 10 % of it's land in Europe.
  • All of it's overseas colonies.
  • 12.5 % of it's population.
  • 16 % of it's coalfields and almost half of its iron and steel . Major blow to German pride and to it's economy. Both Saar land and Upper Silesia were important . Meanwhile Britain and France were gaining land.
• Disarmament : The German army was reduced to 100,000 which wasn't enough for a country as big as Germany . The German's also argued that despite the 14 points calling for the disarmament of all countries none of the allies were willing to disarm.
• The Fourteen Points : The Germans thought that they weren't being treated accordingly to the principles of the 14 points. As German people were being hived out to countries that were being ruled by non-Germans and weren't given self determination , and Anschluss (union) with Austria had been restricted.
• League of Nations : The Germans felt insulted by not being invited to join the League of Nations.
• Non-representation : The German's felt that their government wasn't represented at the peace talks and that they were being forced to accept the harsh treaty without any say . They didn't believe that they lost the war .