Final answer:
The Treaty of Versailles held Germany responsible for starting World War I and imposed harsh penalties on the country. This had significant effects on Germany's economy and contributed to the rise of Hitler and the National Socialists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, had various causes and effects. Germany was held responsible for starting the war and was required to accept the "war guilt clause." This caused bitterness and economic instability in Germany. The treaty also resulted in territorial and financial concessions from Germany to the Allied Powers, including the payment of massive reparations. These penalties ultimately contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists in Germany during the 1930s.