Why did France and Britain want to punish Germany?

Answer 1

France and Britain wanted to punish Germany after World War I primarily due to the immense destruction and loss of life caused by the war, which was largely attributed to German aggression. They sought reparations to compensate for the damages and to weaken Germany militarily and economically to prevent future conflicts. Additionally, both nations aimed to establish a balance of power in Europe, ensuring that Germany could not pose a similar threat in the future. The Treaty of Versailles reflected these punitive intentions, imposing harsh penalties and territorial losses on Germany.