Question

Choose the correct option based on the following statements pertaining to the Treaty of Versailles.

Assertion [A]: The Treaty of Versailles was seen as a 'dictated peace' that was imposed on Germany.

Reason [R]: Germany was forced to sign the treaty under the threat of a air blockade from the rest of the Central Powers.

• A. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct justification for [A].
• B. Both [A] and [R] are true but [R] is not the correct justification for [A].
• C. [A] is true but [R] is false.
• D. Both [A] and [R] are false.

Answer 1

The correct option is C [A] is true but [R] is false.

The Treaty of Versailles was seen as a dictated peace that was imposed upon Germany. Shocked at the 'war guilt' clause and the massive reparations they were meant to bear, Germans bitterly criticised the treaty. According to the terms, Germany lost 10% of its land, all its overseas colonies, 12.5% of its population, 16% of its coal, and 48% of its iron industry.

The Allied Powers blockaded Germany during the duration of the war, and this is considered one of the key elements in the eventual Allied victory in the war. The British hunger blockade of Germany lasted until the Treaty of Versailles was signed.