War Guilt Clause

The War Guilt Clause, mainly found in Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, placed full responsibility for the war on Germany and its allies. This clause effectively blamed them for the conflict and justified the imposition of heavy reparations and territorial losses. It aimed to hold these nations accountable for the devastation caused by the war. The clause was controversial and fueled resentment in Germany, contributing to economic hardship and political instability, which later played a role in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II.