What was the German reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?

The German reaction to the Treaty of Versailles was characterized by a strong desire for revision or outright overturning of the treaty, leading to significant resentment among the German populace and political leaders. Following World War I, many Germans viewed the treaty as excessively punitive and humiliating, feeling it placed an unfair burden on Germany in terms of reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions. The treaty's harsh conditions fostered a sense of injustice and betrayal, particularly since many Germans believed they were not entirely responsible for the war's outbreak.

The resentment was further fueled by the national narrative that emerged during the Weimar Republic, which painted the signatories of the treaty in a negative light. Many Germans believed that the treaty was a dictate enforced upon them by the victorious Allies without proper negotiation or consideration of their perspectives. This widespread dissatisfaction contributed to the eventual rise of extremist political movements, including the Nazis, who exploited the anger towards the treaty for their gain, promising to restore Germany's former glory and rectify the perceived injustices of Versailles.