TREATY OF VERSAILLES (ROAD TO SECOND WORLD WAR)

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.