Reparation in World Politics: France and European Economic Diplomacy, 1916-1923 by Marc Trachtenberg - Book Report/Review Example

Under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, Germany and its supporting countries were declared responsible for all the losses incurred by the Allies during the First World War As a result they were declared guilty and were supposed to pay the amount back to the other “sufferers”. This decision has played an important role in the economic history of Europe. Marc Trachtenberg has a very specific viewpoint on this topic which he has expressed in his book.

This book provides a detailed outline of reparations as set in the agreement and the occupation of the Ruhr. The writer presents a complete picture of the discussions at the conference of each delegation and the in making reparations decisions the economics was kept in view than the politics. Trachtenberg also points out that the conquerors adopted those policies which would not compress Germany forever but to let Germany not only come out of these reparations and regain its status as an independent nation. The details pointed out by the author clearly depict his good grip on the topic and his understanding of the situation which existed after World War One.

As per Trachtenberg, the view about this whole economic exercise in Germany was that most of the Germans accepted that Germany was defeated in this war. They accepted that the German army was defeated. German army on the other hand tried to disagree with this statement as much as possible. They officially blamed the civil elements of the society like Jews and socialists to be responsible for this defeat. They did not agree that the German army was defeated.

According to Trachtenberg, the meaning of the word reparation is compensation or remuneration. From the early times of human history, the country being affected by war could demand anything in reparation, the money, goods or land to cover the damage of war imposed by another country. In modern times the birth of reparations has in the late nineteenth century in the Netherlands where all the representatives of nations rewrite the rules for war, just to limit the use of arms, to reduce the damage and to persuade the solutions of international disputes in a peaceful way. To some, it looks strange that although both sides suffered a lot during 4 years long war, and Germany was also almost destroyed, but as they lost the war, they were forced to pay this amount. The situation however showed that Germany was aggressive initially and this aggression led to large-scale killing and loot thus basic responsibility remained with Germany and its supporters.

The concept behind reparations is that there are certain war laws that come up with conventions and agreements. In any war when the army of any nation violates these laws and make damage to the health, body, property and rights of any nation, then they as compensation give reparation to the affected people.

The author told in this book that Germany agreed to offer payment and transfer of property in reparation in World War I under the Agreement of Versailles (1919) after its defeat during World War I. The 231 articles of the Treaty affirmed Germany and its associates were responsible for damage and loss endured by the Allies (UK, USA, Japan, France and Italy) during the war, so Germany has to provide the reparations.

The analytical research by the author shows the French policy towards Germany during and after World War I. The writer advocated forcefully a new analysis that the French wanted an economic partnership with Germany; but when irritated, commenced on the Ruhr occupation, without exactness of preparation or reason.

The analysis done by the author is very authentic and gives a detailed overview of the situation that was created due to this economic exercise. It also mentions the background due to which such decisions were made. In modern times, there could be an objection that there could have been a better solution to the problem, but considering the situation, right after First World War it looks suitable, and in-depth research done by Trachtenberg proves this point successfully.