...war meet in Versailles to discuss the terms of peace. The peace treaty, known as the Treaty of Versailles, placed harsh punishments on Germany. Germany was forced to pay for the cost of the war, and accept full blame for the war. Also, in order to weaken Germany, territory was taken from Germany and given to other countries, or used to create new countries. These terms of peace left Germany impoverished and its people angry. Hitler’s inevitable rise to power was a direct result of the reparations, war guilt, and loss of territory demanded by the Treaty...
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...the unfairness of the Treaty of Versailles signed by the Allis in 1919 at the Paris Peace Conference, that ended WWI. Countries of the Central Powers were bitter and stuck with having the whole blame of First World War and the lost of their land and money while none of the Allied Powers took any blame. This unfairness may have made war inevitable. Germany wanted revenge by gaining back what they had lost after the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler promised revenge to the German people, who did not want to live with the horrible way they where force to live by treaty. Hitler knew that the Germans would not stand for this. Thus, the Treaty of Versailles led to the rise of a dictator who caused and directed events that led to the outbreak of WWII. Allied delegates in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles witness the German delegation's acceptance of the terms of the Treaty Of Versailles, the treaty formally ending World War I. Versailles, France, June 28, 1919. When the fighting ended in WWI with an armistice in 1918 there was the need for peace. This peace was aimed to be achieved through a coalition between the three major countries of the Allied Powers: Great Britain, France, and the United States of America. The Central Powers were left out of this coalition called “The Paris Peace Conference” because they were blamed for the war. Through this “peace” that the Allied Powers wanted to establish in the world they placed all of the blame on Germany when the treaty was formed. Russia (later...
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...To a certain extent, Hitler was to blame to the outbreak of World War II. The fact that he strongly believed he could reclaim the German losses under the Treaty of Versailles without any interference from the League of Nations, and the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact show that Hitler was determined, and wouldn’t settle for anything less than what he wanted. Hitler wasn’t the only one who was to be blamed for the second world war – the failures of the League of Nations and Treaty of Versailles, the practice of isolationism in countries such as the US, Britain and France, and appeasement were also to blame. The fact that Germany was limited to an extremely small army, 6 naval ships, and no air force, submarines or tanks at all was something that encouraged Hitler to build up an army, regardless of what the Treaty of Versailles stated. By 1936, the Germans had a total air force consisting of 5,116 planes, and were extremely close to overtaking the size of the British air force. This was eventually accomplished, as the Germans ended up with 5,606 planes in 1937. One of the main reasons for the outbreak of the war was that Hitler was certain he could regain everything that Germany lost as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. His certainty was appealing to the German people, as they felt they needed a strong leader who would provide them with ‘lebensraum’, or living space. With the growing amount of aircraft in possession of the Germans, Hitler, an extremely aggressive...
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...With nearly eleven million people killed between 1934 and 1945, one might ask what could be responsible for that amount of devastation. The answer, however, is quite simple. One man is the leading cause of all those lives lost: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Regime. Germany was in an exceedingly unpleasant state after the loss of World War I. The Treaty of Versailles had forced them to take full blame for the war, and with it came an overwhelming amount of debt. The French wanted to dismember Germany to make it impossible for them to renew war with France. The loss of World War I was still sharp on many minds, and the economic depression was in full effect. The Weimar Republic was Germany’s new form of government that replaced the German Empire....
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...several nations around the world and to be fought with heavy machinery, thus making it one of the deadliest wars history had seen at the time. In order to call for peace between the Central Powers and the Allied Powers, the Treaty of Versailles was created in 1919. In the U.S., the strength of the opposition forces rather than the stubbornness of President Wilson led to the Senate defeat of the Treaty of Versailles because they refused to sign without some adjustments and the removal of the League of Nations. In the twentieth century there were many important wars, including the first world war. There were multiple attempts at peace for world war one that involved President Wilson’s Fourteen Points...
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...The Weimar Republic and Democracy World War 1 had an immense effect on the world. One result of the war was the Versailles Peace Treaty, which took a great toll on Germany. This treaty, and the war itself, served many negative consequences and deeply affected the political climate of the new found Weimar Republic. With the conclusion of WWI, Germany needed to form a peace treaty with the Allies and therefore were obligated sign the Treaty of Versailles. When the Allies announced the conditions of this treaty, the Germans were shocked – it was even worse than what the most cynical expected; there was all around opposition. However, as a losing nation they knew their hands were tied and they did not have much, if any, arguing power. Although Germany was not included in the treaty negotiations, the delegation was allowed to state its opinion. One demand of the treaty was for Germany to acknowledge that they alone were guilty of causing the war. “Such a confession in my mouth would be a lie” (Brockdorf-Rantzau 9). Germany was willing to admit that they contributed to tragedy in the war, but refused to take full blame for this would simply lead to more destruction in Germany’s future. The German delegation’s goal was to not upset the Allies further, but to instead try to gain some support from them and lessen the severity that they felt the conditions included. “I believe we should proceed to restore those parts of Belgium and Northern France... we cannot accomplish it without...
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...Hitlers Rise to Power, Fueled by The Treaty of Versailles By: Jacob Presley When the name Adolf Hitler is said many thoughts go through one's head. The thought of mass genocide, riveting speeches, political mastermind, and many more. Many people before Hitler had tried to take power and do very similar things throughout history. Hitler had one key factor on his side that set him aside from those before him, the right circumstances. After World War I, Germany was left in an a state as opposite as ideal that one could imagine. The Treaty of Versailles left Germany with heavy reparations to pay, an overwhelming shame in the country, and massive unemployment rates. Perfect conditions for a revolutionary like Hitler to start a radical change amongst the government. By looking at Hitler's actions after World War I and the punishments left to Germany by the Treaty of Versailles it can be seen how such a ruthless tyrant could be allowed to gain control over a world power. Hitler was a dispatch runner in World War I, where he ran messages between command posts. During his time in the Bavarian Regiment Hitler volunteered for dangerous missions even after near death experiences, seeming almost fearless. The even more unbelievable part is he almost always escaped without a scratch. Although on October 7, 1916 this luck ran out, Hitler was struck in the leg with a piece of shrapnel from an artillery shell. He was sent to Munich to heal and had only a few light duties to carry out while...
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...inevitable. Historical View #1 proposes that Hitler was a product of Germany’s authoritarian culture, and the Germans failed to develop a democratic tradition because they preferred a stronger state led by a powerful individual. Historical View #5 suggests that German support of Nazism was an emotional response to the crisis-state; Germans were disoriented with the economic crisis, and similar to View #1, sought firmer leadership. The Treaty of Versailles doomed the Weimar Republic because the German administration was unable to fulfill the treaty’s unrealistic demands for reparations, which ruined their domestic economy and fostered a strong authoritative leadership that would defend Germany against the terms and impoverishing effects of the ill-advised treaty. The Treaty of Versailles was intended to guarantee the Allies (and neighboring countries) peace and safety; however, the Allies neglected to recognize that the harsh demands of reparations would drive Germany into the hands of a dictator. Virtually the whole nation repudiated the Treaty of Versailles; it was introduced to promote peace, but instead stripped Germany of her self-determination and potential prosperity, leading to a domestic rebuke of its onerous terms. Additionally, President Wilson’s following Fourteen Points were also considered to deny millions of citizens their...
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...was the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty was a peace settlement signed after World War 1 which came to an end in 1918. The treaty was formed in order to punish Germany for all damages she had supposedly caused in World War 1. The treaty was signed at the Versailles Palace near Paris, between Germany and the Allies. The three most important politicians were there; David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau and Woodrow Wilson. The treaty of Versailles was a peace settlement between Germany and the Allies after World War 1. The many countries that defeated Germany in World War 1 blamed Germany for causing the war and initiating severe damages.The treaty took away and placed control...
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...significant cause of the war was the treaty that ended it. The Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919; it discussed the terms for the defeat of Germany. However, the treaty was both too strong and not strong enough. The treaty was too strong because it placed all blame for the war on the Axis nations, of which Germany was dominant. The harshness of the treaty led to a strong level of revanchism in parts of Germany. Revanchism refers to the movement among individuals in a country in which they display unusually strong feelings towards “lost” sections of their country. As is obvious to anyone who has examined the changing maps of Europe during history, the borders of the various countries have changed significantly over the centuries. Countries that existed (such as Prussia) no longer do. The country was dissolved and absorbed into other countries. These various regions that are “lost” may create a sense of nationalism in others. Germans began to desire the provinces and regions that they had lost as a result of their defeat. The Treaty led to Germany losing parts of it as a country. Its citizens resented this loss and a sense of revanchism developed. Furthermore, the Germans received all of the “war-guilt” associated with World War I. War-guilt refers to the idea of how much a country or a people should be held responsible for the devastation and massive loss of life and property that results from a war. The Treaty of Versailles did not...
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...To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles a cause of WWII? Treaty of Versailles was the main trigger that sparked the start of the most devastating war in human history. Due to its enforcement and terms, it caused the ideological fascist movement after WWI, German’s patriotism, and the violent expansion of Germany’s economy which violated terms of the treaty, ultimately resulting to World War II. After WWI the ideology of the Fascist movement became influential in Germany in reaction to the harsh terms of the Versailles Treaty. Fascistic views of political violence, war, and imperialism as a means to achieve national rejuvenation were appealed to the citizens (Wikipedia, 2014). This was in response to the Treaty of Versailles. After WWI, Germany was on a road to repair, but they were handicapped, and weakened by the terms of the treaty (History Learning Site, 2000). They had no major military or strong industry to support the growth of the country (Hikman, n.d.). The people were angered and infuriated by the ruinous effect of the Treaty. Hence, the nation realised that in order to regain the national strength, Germany would need to take on board a new form of political system that was iron-fisted and disregard anything but the restoration of pride (English Online, n.d.). This brought the rise of Hitler, the Nazi Party and Fascism. Adolf Hitler was a radical advocate who fought to overturn the harsh Treaty and restore Germany to her former glory (English Online, n.d.)....
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...“Many of the seed of World War II in Europe were sown by the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. In its final form, the treaty places full blame for the war on Germany and Austria-Hungary, as well as extracted harsh financial reparations and lead to territorial dismemberment”. (Kennedy Hickman) The Treaty of Versailles created an enormous burden on post WWI Germany. The treaty came more as a punishment than an olive branch. This cause deep and extreme sense of resentment and humiliation for the war battered German Nation it stripped them from economic power, its pride and their army the underline of their fight. Some would say that “the Treaty of Versailles were not as harsh as was commonly made out” (John Plowright) and others would disagree. We may argue and even disagree for the many causes of World War II there is one point most would agree with, blinded by anger, need for revenge and desire to show their ability to dominate Germany needed a leader, one who despite the means would go the full distance and avenge Germany. This helped bring Adolf Hitler in control of Nazi Germany to rise and gain control and dominate Europe particularly of agrarian resources to the east of Germany. At the same time the hungry for power and control Imperialistic Japanese Army was on a conquest to rule Asia along with the entire Orient and ultimately and attack on the United State at Pearl Harbor forced America to acknowledge what was happening across the ocean bringing us into...
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...again which led to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. The short term cause was the world economic crisis, which has disastrous effects on Germany, resulting in 6.5 million unemployed. This sudden situation made the government unable to cope with the situation and by the end of 1923 the Weimar republic seemed on the verge of collapse. There were several long term causes for that. Some of them were: 1. It had a number of disadvantages from the beginning the Republic was formed. a. It had accepted the humiliation and unpopular treaty of Versailles Treaty: The republic was not strong enough to reject the defeat and dishonour. b. There was a traditional lack of respect for democratic government: The Germans always favoured the army, and thought that the Democrats had ‘stabbed them in the back’ after signing the treaty of Versailles but what they did not focus on was that Kaiser was still in power when the treaty of Versailles was signed. The republic should have been strong enough to claim the truth instead of tolerating the reparations, arms limitations and war guilt. c. The parliamentary system introduced in the new Weimar constitution...
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...To end World War 1 the Treaty of Versailles was signed (International Conciliation, 1919). Through the Treaty Germany was blamed for the war and was punished. This caused economical issues for Germany to face, and a loss of self-determination (International Conciliation, 1919). Some people believed Germany was not punished enough for the war and Germany believed they should have been treated differently. Germany was blamed for all of the events that took place during World War 1 and the German economy suffered from this (International Conciliation, 1919). The Treaty damaged Germany’s economy by not returning their confiscated goods back to them and also by using them to pay for the damages of the war (International Conciliation, 1919). Foreign authorities were also allowed to build canals and railroads on German territory as they pleased (International Conciliation, 1919). The Treaty called for Germany to surrender territory, such as Alsace-Lorraine (International Conciliation, 1919). This loss of territory caused Germany to lose around 2.5 million ethnic Germans, according to the authors (International Conciliation, 1919). These provisions critically harmed Germany’s economy because they were forced to pay for damage that they could not afford, and the terms of this agreement were completely decided by the countries Germany fought against in the war, while Germany had no control over the terms of paying reparations for the war (International Conciliation, 1919). They had some...
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...Was the treaty of Versailles Fair? I personally think that the Treaty of Versailles was fair to a certain extend. There were many points that were very unfair on Germany and many of them were understandable since everyone was trying to avoid another war. There are many opinions on who was to blame for the war but the most popular was that Germany was the one who started the war. Many people think that because the German Kaiser was annoying everyone and breaking all the friendly relationships with the countries around Germany the war was initially triggered. After the war Germany was still considered a threat because their economy was still very strong and their army was still in France, and capable of fighting. This is one of the other reasons that the treaty was made very harsh to make sure that the Germans could not start another war. Also you cannot say that the Germans were particularly nice either, when they were asking for a treaty with Russia in Brest Litovsk and they made it very harsh themselves. Another point of the treaty was not fair, and that was that it was not negotiable. That was very hard for Germany because the whole treaty was already harsh and they could not negotiate it made it even worse. On another side the land that was taken from Germany was mostly populated by the French on the Alasace-Lorraine and East Germany was mostly populated by Polish. On the other side the treaty was not fair because Germany was fully blamed for the war when other countries...
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