Did the Treaty of Versailles directly cause World War 2?

Answer 1

Some would argue that it wasn't the direct cause, while others would say it was one of the most important factors. The restrictions imposed by the Versailles treaty created a social and economic depression in Germany, with widespread disillusionment among its people. These are the conditions in which radical and extremist ideas take root and become popular.

The population was looking for (indeed desperate for) a change, and unfortunately it happened to be the Nazis and Adolf Hitler that promised it. The prospect of change and reform was what they wanted to hear. When the Nazis started building new weapons in secret in the mid-thirties, they put Germany's workforce back to work. Suddenly there were jobs and apparent prosperity, and the German people could see a brighter future. This all helped sell the belief that the Nazis and their policies were righteous and that Hilter was a great leader. The rest is history. Did Versailles cause the next war? Absolutely.

The late entry of the USA into the war tipped the scales. What would likely have ended with a stalemate on the western front, instead turned into a major defeat for Germany.

Germany, arguably the most civilized nation on earth up to that point, was forced to surrender land, people, money, patents, armaments, and honor. One of the worst items in the treaty was forcing Germany to accept full responsibility for the war, which was ridiculous. The Serbs triggered the entire affair by their involvement (right up to top government officials) in the assassination of foreign leaders. This terrorist nation needed to be crushed and its government overturned. Instead Russia raced to aid them by mobilizing, thus setting off mobilization and conflict over the entire region.

The treaty, not withstanding the lie noted above, left Germany too weak to properly defend herself. Thus nations like Poland invaded and tried to steal German lands, beyond those already granted by the treaty. Such matters as this forced the Germans to look for a strong man, a dictator, a revival of militarism. The result was Hitler and another major war.

In hindsight, World War II was almost inevitable given the terms of the Versailles treaty. The terms of the treaty made another war almost inevitable.

Several terms were horribly short-sighted in retrospect. First, the forced signature required of Germany, placing full blame for the war on her shoulders -patently ridiculous as all historians know. Second, the silly border drawing by the great imperial/colonial powers France and Britain - creating false nations such as Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and others. Third, the realignment of borders that left large German minorities under the rule of other ethnic groups. Fourth, the attempted total destruction of German military power which meant that opportunistic, expansionist countries like Poland would be able to take advantage of their weak neighbor.

Of course, there are also the vast land grabs by France and Britain as they took over various colonies of Germany, plus split up the Middle East for themselves (creating problems with which we are still dealing today).

Answer 2

Absolutely. The Treaty of Versailles, initially signed into effect in 1919 by the French and British governments, completely stripped Germany of its government, its navy, and its Air Force, not to mention the severe limitations imposed on the German Army (100,000 troops maximum) and the size of the German nation. For example, Danzig, a large East German city, became a "free city" and Germany was split up into two parts: East Prussia and Germany itself. In addition, the Saar was taken and given to France as reparations. Lastly, the Treaty also imposed gigantic financial reparations to be paid to Britain and France. The inept Weimar Republic sprang forth from the ashes of the Kaiser. When the Great Depression hit the world, Germany was hit hardest. The value of the Mark (reichsmark) plummeted to the point where the printing paper was more valuable than the money! It was during this time that Hitler forced his way into the Chancellery and proclaimed himself Fuhrer of Germany, citing his rise to power a "necessity" to challenge the wrongdoings of the Treaty of Versailles. In 1934, Der Fuhrer "reclaimed" the Saarland, and the rest is history.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say it caused it, but it had a a lot to do with it. Some say if the Treat of Versailles wasn't so unnecessarily harsh , Germany wouldn't have done what they did. In my opinion, it didn't cause it. I would say Adolf Hitler caused. The treaty didn't cause Hitler to capture countries that, just because he said they belonged to Germany.

Answer 4

No, only partially. There were several causes for the war.

This is an opinion type question. Historians differ some on the causes leading up to war. I think the role of the Treaty of Versailles has been greatly overstated by some.

My list of the three major causes:

The turmoil, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction in Europe that came about because of the 'Great War' (WW1): in how it started, how it was fought, and in how it ended. The Germans did not think that they had started the war, nor did they think (falsely) that they had lost the war; they were however blamed and punished. The German people did not know that they had lost the First World War, because the German Army leaders (Hindenburg & Von Ludendorff) and the ones most responsible, kept silent. The Kaiser had abdicated and left Germany immediately after the war. New national borders & countries were created that caused friction and instability. A dangerous communist Soviet Union had emerged that threatened Germany and Eastern Europe. Many in France & Great Britain had lost their resolve to confront Germany (Hitler), because of the earlier bloodbath of WW1. This was the situation that allowed Hitler to gain power in Germany.

Adolf Hitler's rise to power, rearmament of Germany and his personal goals to expand Germany's power & borders. Hitler unified Germany under the theme that Germany had not been defeated in World War One, but had been betrayed (by Jewish bankers & communist infiltrators). Hitler & many Germans actually believed this. Hitler also unified Germany & slightly disarmed his opponents in France & Britain by declaring that communism was a great threat to Germany and all of Europe. Adolf Hitler was the primary and foremost cause of the war in Europe.

The Japanese Army's obsession with territorial conquest in Asia, specifically in China. This goal lead to the successful drive to control of the Japanese government and Japanese public opinion. This is the primary and foremost cause of the war in Asia.

See additional information below about the situation that led to war in Europe.

See additional information below about the situation that led to war in Europe.

Origins of the War in Europe

The Great War

Ø Mostly unexpectedly, the Great War starts in August 1914. There would be much finger-pointing as to whom and what started it. The correct and/or incorrect evaluation of this war's actual causes would affect the behavior of the European nations and public opinion for most of the next century. There will be a divergence of opinion among the peoples and governments as to the correct lessons to learn.

Ø Germany had defeated Russia (aided by the collapse of the government & revolution) at the end of 1917, after fighting on two fronts since 1914.

Ø German troops shifted from the eastern front to the western front (in France) for the Spring 1918 offensive.

Ø Although the U.S. had entered the war in April 1917, American troops would not arrive in large numbers until mid-1918.

Ø Germans attempted to defeat the French & British (on the western front) before American troops could make a difference.

Ø The German public, which has long supported the war & the Kaiser, is now led to believe that victory is imminent.

Ø Unknown to the German public, the Spring Offensive succeeds only briefly and the Germans are stopped.

Ø American troops in growing numbers enter combat for the first time in 1918, and the Germans are on the defensive.

Ø Meanwhile in the Balkans, the Austrian-Hungarians (Germany's primary ally) are collapsing under the attacks by Italy, Serbia & Romania.

Ø Also after a long struggle, Turkey (another German ally) is being thoroughly defeated by the British in Palestine, Jordan, & Syria.

Ø All these negative events remain unknown to the German public.

Ø The Allies (France, Britain, Italy, and the U.S.) in mid to late 1918 believe the German Army in France will be defeated in 1919 after American troop strength is scheduled to double.

Ø However in September and October of 1918, for the first time in the war, the German Army in France suffers major defeats with large breeches in the defensive lines. German collapse and defeat is at hand, maybe only a few weeks away.

Ø The German government (at the urging of the army) suddenly requests and receives an armistice effectively ending the war on November 11, 1918.

Ø The sudden defeat shocks and surprises the German public. Its army is still in France, some within artillery range of Paris. Germany's borders have not been crossed by the enemy, nor has any significant damage been done to any German territory, city or factory.

Ø The Kaiser's government collapses as he seeks and receives political asylum in Holland.

Ø The reasons for the defeat are never revealed or explained to the German people by the new German government. To the contrary, Army leaders knowingly and falsely blamed defeat on the new republican government and the numerous political parties.

Ø The victorious Allies do not send occupation troops into Germany (only in the Rhineland are Allied troops temporarily there to enforce its new demilitarized status).

Ø Just prior to, and as the war ends there is isolated (yet very public) civil unrest led by German Bolsheviks.

Ø All this serves to convince the German people and many who served in the army (including Adolf Hitler) that the German Army was not defeated and had been "stabbed in the back" by 'domestic enemies'. It also served to undermine the current democratic government and all the participating political parties. In Germany, this very powerful myth would endure for over thirty years, and would be one of the major reasons that many German people supported Hitler's aim to rebuild Germany's military and international prominence.

The Versailles Treaty-1919

Ø It was imposed on Germany by the victorious allies.

Ø Aimed at weakening Germany to prevent future military threats to France and Great Britain.

Ø Germany gives up territory in Africa, the Pacific & some in Europe.

Ø German military size limitations: Army 100,000 max, no tanks or heavy artillery; Navy only 6 ships & no subs; No Air Force.

Ø Demilitarization of two German areas: Rhineland and the Baltic port of Danzig.

Ø Austria-Hungarybroken-up to allow for "National Self-Determination". 'Self-Determination' was a major aim of U.S. President Wilson.

Ø Reparationsimposed on Germany to pay for damages & losses to Allies. These would be in terms of money or goods. No final fixed amount was ever decided.

Ø Aimed to establish 'Collective Security' arrangements for Germany's neighbors.

Ø U.S. President Wilson offered a U.S. guarantee for the future security of France.

Ø The League of Nations was established. It was U.S. President Wilson's idea.

Ø War Guilt Clause: Germany is forced to accept the blame for the war.

Ø Not surprisingly, all Germans from all parties were united in their great resentment of this Treaty, especially over the War Guilt Clause. This would increase and prolong German resentment and animosity towards the victorious powers, especially France & Britain.

Ø In a shocking move, the United States Senate failed to ratify the Treaty.

The New Boundaries & Nations of Europe

Ø Germany loses territory in Europe and the rest of the world. East Prussia separated from Germany by the 'Polish Corridor'.

Ø Austria-Hungary broken into smaller nations.

Ø Poland recreated between Germany & Russia.

Ø Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Austria & Hungary created out of greater Austria-Hungary.

Ø Yugoslavia created from the joining of Serbia with two provinces of the former Austria-Hungary.

Ø The Baltic States created: Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania. Was formerly in Russia and some in East Prussia (Germany).

Ø Finland regains independence from Russia. Finland had been under Russian rule since 1809.

The New Bolshevik Russia: Soviet Union

Ø Communist power is consolidated within the borders. Millions would be murdered.

Ø Communist parties are formed throughout the world.

Ø COMINTERN established to direct and organize the program to subvert, influence and/or undermine the domestic and foreign policies of other nations (in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas).

Ø 1926-Stalin becomes the undisputed dictator.

Ø Military is rebuilt 1920s and 1930s. However several purges killed off experienced leaders and seriously decreased the Red Army's effectiveness.

Ø The Soviet Union was seen by all nations as an outcast and a threat in Europe & Asia, and the COMINTERN as a threat to all governments worldwide. Various geographic areas within the Soviet Union had populations that greatly resented the Russian dominated dictatorship and its oppression of various populations.

Ø The threat of both a revived Russia and of 'Bolshevism' was seen as an especially great threat to most Germans.

Ø Later, as Stalin viewed Germany as a threat, he would work to repair his international image, seek out alliances, and join the League of Nations.

The League of Nations

Ø A forum for talk, but with no real power or direct influence.

Ø The idea of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Ø A method to come to an international 'consensus' on various issues, and a platform to influence public opinion.

Ø Intended to help nations gather international support against threatening powers, and as a way to encourage talking instead of fighting.

Ø In a shocking move, the United States Senate failed to ratify joining the League. There was a fear of entangling alliances.

Ø Germany joined in 1926.

Rise of Fascism & Mussolini in Italy (1919-1936)

Ø Italy was one of the victorious powers but failed to get much benefit from the Treaty of Versailles.

Ø Communist activities grew in Italy.

Ø These things weakened the monarchy and the republican government of Italy. It made the nation more vulnerable to Mussolini's Fascist movement.

Ø October 27, 1922-Mussolini appointed Prime Minister by the King of Italy (forced by the "March on Rome")

Ø Mussolini's Italy becomes more militaristic and imperialistic. Mussolini has his eyes on the Balkans, North Africa, and East Africa.

Ø Late 1935-Mussolini will attack Ethiopia. Italians were accused of committing atrocities against the Ethiopians. This would cause great damage to Italy's foreign relations, to Mussolini personally, and to fascists in general.

Worldwide Industrial & Economic Depression (1929-1932)

Ø U.S. Stock Market Crash of October 1929 very quickly lead to a general worldwide economic & industrial depression, as well as the failures of banks and the destabilization of the world's monetary systems.

Ø The United States and Germany were among the hardest hit nations. Unemployment in Germany 30%.

Ø The ill effects would generally increase daily and finally peak in 1932. The current U.S. and German governments appeared to be powerless to mitigate the widening problems and misery.

Ø In the United States, this lead to the 1932 election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Ø In Germany, it lead to the increased popularity of the National Socialist German Workers (Nazi) Party.

Ø The most affected nations never really recovered from the depression until they began to increase spending on war preparations.

Hitler's Rise to Power (1924-1933)

Ø Adolf Hitler is one of the key leaders of National Socialist German Workers (Nazi) Party, which is a Fascist para-military organization (storm troopers) that uses intimidation & propaganda.

Ø 1924-Beer Hall Putsch-failed attempt to seize Bavarian government in Munich.

Ø Hitler & supporters go to Landsberg Prison for 9 months-easy time.

Ø Hitler dictates Mein Kampf (My Struggle) in prison. It lays out it his thoughts for Germany's future. It becomes a big seller after the start of the Great Depression.

Ø Early 1928-The Nazi Party gets only 3% of the vote.

Ø Late 1929-The Depression causes an increase in pro-Nazi support.

Ø 1930-The Nazi Party gets 18% of the vote.

Ø Summer 1932- The Nazi Party gets 37% of the vote (peak).

Ø November 1932- The Nazi Party gets 30%+ of the vote.

Ø January 30, 1933-Hitler is appointed Chancellor by Reich President Hindenburg (Hitler had demanded this).

Ø 1934-Hindenburg dies and Hitler assumes the position of Reich President and the head of the German military.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Ø Francisco Franco led other military officers (the Nationalists) in a revolt against the Spanish Republican government from July 1936 to March 1939.

Ø Because Franco was generally considered a 'fascist', he received monetary, arms, and military support from Mussolini, and then Hitler.

Ø The German military organization setup to support Franco was called the "Condor Legion".

Ø The 'Republicans' received support from all those opposed to Fascism (and Mussolini & Hitler). This support came from an odd collection of foreign mercenaries; many were communists and most were idealistic and traditionally minded supporters of democracy or parliamentary rule. The Soviet Union sent military equipment, however most Western powers remained neutral.

Ø The world press watched in horror as Franco's air forces (including German & Italian military units) inflicted large casualties on the civilians in the war zone.

Ø German and Italian military (mostly Air Force) personnel would gain valuable first-hand combat experience in Spain. They would return home as heroes, with elaborate ceremony.

Ø Franco's 'Nationalists' would eventually defeat the 'Republicans' at the end of March 1939.

Hitler's Vision

Ø Hitler dictates Mein Kampf (My Struggle) in prison. It lays out it his thoughts for Germany's future.

Ø Summer 1928-Hitler dictates his second book (unnamed) that outlines his long-term geo-political goals for Germany and the coming of war. Hitler decides to seal the 300 page manuscript in a publisher's safe, but not publish it then. The manuscript remained unread until 1958.

Ø Germany must be removed from the constraints of the Versailles Treaty, and be allowed to rearm.

Ø The attainment of Racial Purity is key to the long-term survival of Germany.

Ø Germany must grow, and this will lead to conflict. This is the natural order of things (Social-Darwinism). War is inevitable if Germany is to prosper.

Ø Germany needs "Lebensraum" (living space) for German people and farming in the eastern areas of Europe.

Ø Germany needs to become economically self-sufficient

Ø Germany must wage a program to eliminate Jews and Bolsheviks.

Hitler's Actions (1933-1939)

Ø 1933-Pulls out of International Disarmament Conference.

Ø 1933-Pulls out of the League of Nations.

Ø 1934-Signs Non-Aggression Pact with Poland.

Ø 1935-Announces the building of the Air Force (Luftwaffe).

Ø 1935-Announces conscription and building of an army to 500,000.

Ø 1935-Signs Naval Agreement with Great Britain.

Ø March 1936-Occupies Rhineland with troops.

Ø 1936-Berlin Olympics-great success

Ø 1937-Signs Anti-COMINTERN pact with Mussolini (Italy).

Ø November 1937-In secret meeting with top foreign policy and military leaders: Outlines plans to prepare for war with Poland, and then likely war with France.

Ø March 1938-Austria incorporated into the Third Reich (a.k.a. The Anschluss).

Ø October 1, 1938-German troops occupy the Sudetenland (Czechoslovakia).

Ø March 1939- German troops occupy the remainder of Czechoslovakia

Ø 22 May 1939-Germany & Italy sign Military Alliance.

Ø March-August 1939-Germany applies pressure on Poland for Danzig corridor.

Answer 5

The Treaty of Versailles (TOV) helped start WW2 as it had several crippling effects on Germany. They were forced to pay huge reparations which, when coupled with huge inflation, caused life for Germans to become very difficult. This meant they would listen and help anyone who would get them out of this situation.

Also, Germany was forced to give up some of its land which meant less space for houses and factories to achieve stable economy.

Finally, the TOV forced Germany to accept ALL blame for WW1. These combined helped start WW2.

For more info on the causes of WW2, look for info on the League of Nations and Chamberlain's policy of appeasement.

Answer 6

They signed an ALLIE with other countries.:)

Answer 7

partly because the treaty made Germany angry but Hitler was thought to have planned out the war anyway!

Answer 8

Yes