The treaty was negotiated between in Paris in 1919 between by the Allies with almost no participation by the Germans. The treaty included fifteen parts and 440 articles. It created the New League of Nations, which Germany was not allowed to join. Part II gave Germany new borders, and returned conquered lands to other nations. Part III stipulated a demilitarized zone. Part IV stripped Germany of all its colonies, and Part V reduced Germany’s armed forces and prohibited Germany from possessing certain classes of weapons. Part VIII covered reparations and made Germany accept responsibility for the losses and damages of the Allies “as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies.” Part IX imposed numerous other financial obligations upon Germany. The treaty contributed to WWII because it was extremely harsh. The Germans were forced to admit all guilt for WWI, and their country was bankrupt. They were angry and living in extreme poverty. They had nothing, and this led to a chance for someone like Hitler to rise up. The rest of the world viewed Germany with contempt, so they lashed out.
