Why did the Treaty of Versailles become a burden on the legitimacy of the Weimar Republic?

Correct answer: Because people blamed the new government for its harsh terms

The direct answer is D. The Treaty of Versailles imposed severe conditions on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions and reparations. The Weimar Republic was established after Germany’s defeat and was associated in the public mind with signing and accepting the treaty. Many Germans therefore blamed the new democratic government for humiliation and economic hardship, even though the government had inherited the defeat and had little choice. This damaged its legitimacy, meaning people did not fully accept it as a respected authority. Option A is wrong because Germany was defeated, not made victorious. Option B is wrong because reparations were imposed rather than removed. Option C is wrong because the treaty did not strengthen the monarchy; the monarchy had ended and a republic was formed. Option D is correct because public anger about harsh terms was transferred to the new government. Exam cue: defeat plus Versailles plus public blame produced a legitimacy crisis for Weimar.