TREATY OF VERSAILLES (ROAD TO 2nd WORLD WAR)
The most controversial treaty “Treaty of Versailles”
concluded with the Germany which later was responsible for the World War-II
Why it is
said that the seeds of Second World War were sown during Treaty of Versailles?
The Treaty
of Versailles was one of the most controversial settlements ever signed and it
was criticized even in the Allied countries
Terms:
Germans
had to lose territory in Europe
- Alsace-Lorraine to France
- Eupen, Moresnet and Malmedy to Belgium
- North Schleswig to Denmark
- West Prussia and Posen to Poland
- Memel was given to Lithuania
German’s
African colonies were taken away under League of Nation’s supervision
Military Limitations
- Germany was allowed to maintain an army of not more than 100000 troops without conscription
- No Tanks, Aircrafts, Submarines and only 6 battleships
- Rhineland was to be permanently demilitarized
War Guilt
Clause
It fixed the
blame for the outbreak of the war solely on Germany and her allies
Reparation
- Germany was to pay reparations for damage done to Allies. Actual amount was decided later as 6600 million Pounds
- Germany had little choice but to sign this treaty which was an insult and burden imposed upon them
Road to
the Second World War
The economy
collapsed, the government lost power, the military was weak, and the Germans
were angry. All of these factors together combined to make a perfect storm in
Germany.
The
horrendous economy led to a weak government, the weak military led to fear in
Germany, the weak government and German fear made it possible for Adolf Hitler
to be elected, and finally the German anger and Hitler's mindset led to World
War II.