What major geopolitical consequence directly resulted from the punitive conditions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles (1919)?

💡 Explanation:

The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles—specifically the War Guilt Clause (Article 231) and massive reparations—fostered deep resentment, economic instability, and national humiliation in Germany. This environment was a critical factor that allowed for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the aggressive Nazi regime (a totalitarian state), setting the stage for World War II. The United Nations was established after WWII (Option B). The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (Option A) resulted from separate treaties after WWI, not the ToV itself, and the demilitarization of the Rhine region (Option D) was a clause of the treaty, not the primary major geopolitical consequence of its punitive nature.