After World War I, which of the following was a major way in which the Treaty of Versailles punished Germany?

Introduction / Context:
The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919 at the end of World War I. It imposed severe terms on Germany and is often cited as a cause of later instability in Europe. This question asks you to identify one major way in which the treaty punished Germany. Knowing the main provisions of the treaty is important for understanding the road from World War I to World War II.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The treaty was signed after Germany's defeat in World War I.
• It contained clauses that reduced German territory, limited its military, and imposed reparations.
• The question requires the best example of punishment, not a benefit.
• Only one option describes a real punitive measure from the treaty.

Concept / Approach:
The key concepts are reparations, war guilt, and military restrictions. The treaty forced Germany to accept a war guilt clause, pay large sums to the Allies, and greatly reduce its armed forces. It did not reward Germany with new colonies or strategic canals. To answer correctly, look for the option that mentions heavy reparations and responsibility for the war and eliminate options that describe benefits or expansions that never occurred.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the treaty included Article 231, often called the war guilt clause, placing primary responsibility for the war on Germany and its allies. Step 2: Remember that Germany was ordered to pay substantial reparations to Allied nations as compensation for war damage. Step 3: Think about how the treaty also reduced Germany's military and stripped it of colonies. Step 4: Examine option a, which states that the treaty required heavy reparations and acceptance of responsibility for starting the war. Step 5: Compare this with option b, which wrongly claims Germany gained colonies, when in fact it lost all its overseas territories. Step 6: Note that option c is incorrect because the treaty limited, not expanded, Germany's army and navy. Step 7: Check that options d and e also describe benefits that Germany never received, such as control over the Suez Canal or a friendly military alliance with Britain and France.

Verification / Alternative check:
History sources highlight three main punitive features: reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions. The war guilt clause and financial burden are repeatedly emphasized as particularly humiliating for Germany. Option a combines war guilt with reparations and therefore reflects a central punishment of the treaty. None of the other options match standard descriptions of its terms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is the opposite of what happened, because Germany lost its colonies. Option c is wrong because the treaty strictly limited the size of the army, banned conscription, and restricted naval forces. Option d is incorrect since Germany did not receive the Suez Canal or Middle Eastern oil fields. Option e is false because the treaty did not create a friendly alliance; it placed Germany in a weakened and isolated position.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes assume that any treaty after a war must include both punishments and rewards, and may confuse the Treaty of Versailles with later agreements or alliances. Another mistake is to forget that Germany was on the losing side and to misremember which country gained mandates and strategic positions. Always link the Treaty of Versailles with war guilt, reparations, and military limits to avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
It required Germany to pay heavy reparations and accept responsibility for starting the war.