Meaning: 'Foundation' means the basis or groundwork of something, in this case, the establishment of the German nation.

Wrong options:

• inaugration: 'Inaugration' is a misspelling of 'inauguration,' which refers to the formal ceremony of starting something, but it does not convey the sense of establishing a nation as 'foundation' does.
• installment: 'Installment' typically refers to a part of a series or a payment plan, which does not fit the context of nation-building.
• investment: 'Investment' refers to the act of putting money into something for profit, which is unrelated to the concept of establishing a nation.

Correct answer: dog

Explanation: The verb 'dog' fits contextually as it means to follow someone persistently, which aligns with the idea of long-held resentments continuing to affect the nation. It also matches the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Dog' in this context means to persistently follow or trouble someone, indicating that these resentments continue to haunt Germany.

Wrong options:

• bear: 'Bear' means to carry or endure, but it does not convey the sense of persistent following or troubling as 'dog' does.
• rat: 'Rat' is a noun referring to a rodent and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• horse: 'Horse' is also a noun and does not relate to the context of resentments affecting the nation.

Correct answer: outstrip

Explanation: The verb 'outstrip' fits grammatically and contextually as it means to surpass or exceed, which is appropriate in the context of Germany surpassing British productivity.

Meaning: 'Outstrip' means to go beyond or exceed in performance or achievement, indicating Germany's rapid industrial growth.

Wrong options:

• outlast: 'Outlast' means to survive longer than something else, which does not fit the context of surpassing productivity.
• outlearn: 'Outlearn' means to learn more than someone else, which is irrelevant in the context of industrial productivity.
• outlay: 'Outlay' refers to an expenditure or investment, which does not fit the context of surpassing productivity.

Correct answer: footing

Explanation: The noun 'footing' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to a basis or foundation for something, which aligns with the context of industrial production being adapted for war.

Meaning: 'Footing' in this context means the basis or foundation upon which something is built, indicating how production was structured for war efforts.

Wrong options:

• arming: 'Arming' refers to equipping for war, which does not fit the context of production being put on a basis or foundation.
• handing: 'Handing' means to give or pass something, which does not relate to the context of production.
• legging: 'Legging' is not a relevant term in this context and does not fit grammatically or contextually.

Correct answer: punitive

Explanation: The adjective 'punitive' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes measures intended to punish, which aligns with the context of the Treaty of Versailles imposing harsh penalties on Germany.

Meaning: 'Punitive' means intended as punishment, indicating that the measures imposed were meant to penalize Germany for its role in the war.

Wrong options:

• reciprocal: 'Reciprocal' refers to something given in return, which does not fit the context of punishment.
• disciplinary: 'Disciplinary' relates to discipline or correction, but it does not convey the severity implied by 'punitive.'
• subjective: 'Subjective' refers to personal opinions or feelings, which is irrelevant in the context of measures imposed by a treaty.