Final answer:
The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for World War I through the 'war guilt clause' and imposed hefty reparations, significantly influencing postwar Germany and contributing to the rise of Hitler and World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Treaty of Versailles squarely laid the blame for World War I on Germany. This was articulated through the infamous "war guilt clause," which was one of the key provisions of the treaty. The treaty required Germany to accept full responsibility for the initiation and continuation of the conflict. In addition to reputational damage, the acceptance of this blame came with significant financial repercussions in the form of reparations, initially set at a staggering $33 billion. The harsh penalties imposed on Germany, the loss of territories, and the limitations on its military capabilities sowed seeds of resentment and economic hardship that would contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II.