How did the Treaty of Versailles help contribute to the start of WW2?
One of the main contributors to the Second World War was the Treaty of Versailles and the harsh terms placed on Germany through the treaty. The citizens of Germany underwent harsh reparations, disarmament, territorial losses and the blame for the war.
Firstly, Germany had to pay large reparations for the damages of WW1. These payments began on May 1, 1921 and consisted of $367 billion US, which was later reduced to $341 billion US in 1929. Germany ended up falling behind in these payments due to the high amount expected of them. The reparations sparked anger and humiliation throughout the German population, causing tension to grow between Germany and the Allies.
Secondly, military restrictions were placed on Germany in hope it would stop the initiation of another war. It is stated in Article 160 of the treaty that the German military must not surpass 100,000 men. The military was also only to be devoted to the upkeep of order and the control of the frontiers. These terms were placed to stop Germany from becoming a military threat. The reduced size of the military left Germany vulnerable
Thirdly, Germany suffered territorial losses. This caused parts of Germany isolated and others forced to be incorporated in a different country with a different culture and dialect to them. Germans were forced to become a part of different nations that didn’t understand their way of living, making them resentful. Many of these people became so angry that they would later support the NAZI party.
Finally, Germany was to take the blame for the war. This term, stated in Article 231 (also known as the War Guilt Clause), defines that Germany should take the blame for the start of the war and all damage caused. The War Guilt Clause stripped Germany of its pride and spread humiliation all over the country. Hitler used the War Guilt Clause and the humiliation in the German citizens to gain support for his campaign and the NAZI party.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles contributed to
Firstly, Germany had to pay large reparations for the damages of WW1. These payments began on May 1, 1921 and consisted of $367 billion US, which was later reduced to $341 billion US in 1929. Germany ended up falling behind in these payments due to the high amount expected of them. The reparations sparked anger and humiliation throughout the German population, causing tension to grow between Germany and the Allies.
Secondly, military restrictions were placed on Germany in hope it would stop the initiation of another war. It is stated in Article 160 of the treaty that the German military must not surpass 100,000 men. The military was also only to be devoted to the upkeep of order and the control of the frontiers. These terms were placed to stop Germany from becoming a military threat. The reduced size of the military left Germany vulnerable
Thirdly, Germany suffered territorial losses. This caused parts of Germany isolated and others forced to be incorporated in a different country with a different culture and dialect to them. Germans were forced to become a part of different nations that didn’t understand their way of living, making them resentful. Many of these people became so angry that they would later support the NAZI party.
Finally, Germany was to take the blame for the war. This term, stated in Article 231 (also known as the War Guilt Clause), defines that Germany should take the blame for the start of the war and all damage caused. The War Guilt Clause stripped Germany of its pride and spread humiliation all over the country. Hitler used the War Guilt Clause and the humiliation in the German citizens to gain support for his campaign and the NAZI party.
In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles contributed to