Article 231 is a provision from the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed in 1919 after World War I. This article is often referred to as the "War Guilt Clause" because it placed full responsibility for the war on Germany and its allies. This declaration was significant as it justified the reparations that the Allies demanded from Germany. The implications of Article 231 were profound, leading to widespread resentment in Germany. Many Germans felt humiliated and unfairly blamed, which contributed to political instability and the rise of extremist movements, including the Nazi Party. The article remains a controversial topic in discussions about the treaty's impact on European history.