(A) wanted to excuse or at least not be too hurtful to
(B) ** wanted to severely punish
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -France and Britain were bankrupt. Most delegates blamed Germany (this feeling led to Clause 231) and wanted revenge for the ‘lost generation’; they wanted Germany crippled so the war could never be repeated. And if Germany was to blame for the war, then Germany should pay for the damage.
Concept note-2: -According to French and British wishes, Germany was subjected to strict punitive measures under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The new German government was required to surrender approximately 10 percent of its prewar territory in Europe and all of its overseas possessions.
Concept note-3: -As a result of this, the vast majority of French citizens wanted to punish Germany – they wanted revenge. border to east of the River Rhine. This would make Germany defenceless and put France in a much more secure position. Clemenceau also needed money to re-build his war-torn country.
Concept note-4: -The war decimated farmland, towns, and battlefields around Europe. And according to many, Germany was to blame. Though contemporary historians are still split on who should be held responsible for World War I, the treaty blamed and punished Germany.