Besides reparations, what territorial and military restrictions did Germany face under the Versailles settlement?

• A. Loss of territory (Alsace-Lorraine, parts of Prussia, colonies), demilitarization, limit on army and navy, no air force, demobilization zones
• B. A free rein to expand their colonies
• C. Demilitarization without territorial loss
• D. A guaranteed air superiority and large standing army

Answer: (A)

The main idea this question tests is how the Versailles settlement aimed to prevent Germany from posing a future threat by stripping away land and power. Germany lost territory—Alsace-Lorraine to France, parts of what remained of Prussia to Poland, and other border changes that reduced German influence and control. It also lost its overseas colonies, which meant a reduction in its global power and resources. In terms of military power, the treaty imposed strict limits: the army could be only about 100,000 men with no conscription, heavy weapons and tanks were banned, the air force was prohibited, and the navy was greatly reduced. In addition, large areas like the Rhineland were made demilitarized and occupied by Allied forces, and other demobilized zones restricted German troop movements near borders. All of this together shows why the agreed terms went beyond reparations to reshape Germany’s territory and its ability to wage war in the future.