The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that ended World War I. It was signed at the Palace of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Many historians consider it harsh and unfair because of the severe terms imposed upon Germany by the Allied Powers, particularly Great Britain and France. These countries were intent on punishing Germany and also using the treaty to enrich themselves at Germany's expense.

In the treaty, the War Guilt Clause required Germany to accept responsibility and blame for initiating the war. Germany was stripped of most of its weapons, its army was limited to 100,000 volunteers, and its navy was limited to six battleships.

The economic terms of the treaty were even more ruinous to Germany. The reparations Germany was required to pay for damage caused by the war came to well over $30 billion, which is almost $500 billion in modern currency. This overwhelming debt decimated the German economy, causing hyperinflation and plunging many people into poverty. Germany also was stripped of over ten percent of its territory as well as its overseas colonies.

The reaction to the treaty in Germany was overwhelmingly negative. Politicians used its harsh terms as rallying points for nationalistic sentiment. Many historians believe that the severe terms of the Treaty of Versailles contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler and ultimately played a part in the outbreak of World War II.

We see, then, that historically as well as in modern times, many people consider the Treaty of Versailles a harsh and unfair settlement for peace. If the victorious allies had been more merciful and benevolent in the imposition of terms at the end of the war, Germany might have been grateful instead of infuriated and the Second World War might have been avoided. Since this didn't happen, to what extent you believe this to be true is a matter of personal opinion.