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Article 231)
Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles was the “Guilt Clause” or the "War Guilt Clause", in which Germany was forced to take complete responsibility for starting World War I or face renewed warfare. This simply served to anger the Germans and ensure that they would seek revenge. Created as a result of much animosity between Germany and France as well as Germany and England. The United States did not play as active a role, mostly due to President Woodrow Wilson's principle of "peace without victory". It involved a numer of provisions. The German Army was limited to no more than 100,000 men with limited firepower. The German Navy was limited to six warships, and a corresponding number of other specific ships. Germany was also not allowed to posess any submarines or aircraft. The fortifications that Germany posessed in Heligoland were to be dissolved. The 30-mile wide de-militarized zone known as the "Rhineland" was created. The German rivers were to be nationalized and allow all ships to pass through. The former German emperor and other "offenders" were to be tried and convicted. Germany was to pay both civilian damage and occupation costs, which would total up to $5 billion that were to be paid over the following 30 years. In addition, all German merchant vessels over 1600 tons, half of the vessels between 800 and 1600 tons, and 25% of the German fishing fleet was to be seized. They were to build over 200,000 tons of shipping to be delivered to the victors for five years annually. Coal was to be shipped to France, Belgium, and Italy for ten years. Finally, Germany was required to consent the sale of its land.
Last updated: 08-19-2006 14:43:24