Dbq Treaty Of Versailles

The Accusation

World War I, a series of deaths of civilians and soldiers that engulfed europe from 1914 to 1918. These tragedies took a big toll on many countries all across the globe. Many countries struggled to pay for war damage and civilians lost their jobs and were in a state of Great Depression. The Treaty of Versailles is a document to keep peace among nations. The Treaty of versailles enactment contributed to the cause of World war II when the treaty accused Germany of being the aggressor and instigator.

Germany lost valuable resources to the Treaty of Versailles. As shown in document A the map states that through the loss of the Polish corridor and Alsace Lorraine, Germany lacked warm waterways essential for trading and transportation, as well as 40% of coal production needed for factories, energy, and railroads. Hitler believes that the only way to restore what was lost is by blood and sword as stated in Mein Kampf, is a book by Hitler depicting his struggles and in his book he references the idea of using a sword and shedding blood. He believes that the only way to fight back is by using violence. The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to avenge what was taken and get rid of the restraints holding them

captive and taking back what the feel is rightfully theirs.

Held responsible for all war damage, germany was required to pay war reparations for being violent and causing damage to the civilian population.

It states In Article 232, “ She will make compensation for all damage alone to the civilian population.” Germany didn’t feel the need to pay for all the damages after the war and considered it nearly impossible to do in a span of thirty years while going through the Great Depression. As shown on the chart in Document C, Germany had to pay 132 Billion Goldmarks what we know as 367 Billion U.S dollars of war damage but this was later reduced to 112 Billion Goldmarks. When Hitler came to power and stopped all payments it gave Germany a sense of security and authority after the unjust treatment they

received.
Germany accepted all the responsibilities and consequences for starting the war. As stated in Document D, Article 231, “ The Allied and Associated Governments Affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage.” Germany felt humiliated as well as self-conscious about treaty and their admittance to being the cause of World War I as stated by Laurence V. Moyer “ What they knew of the treaty was etched indelibly in their minds and could be abbreviated in [a] single word : Humiliation.” When Hitler came to power he shone a new light on Germany making people see them in a different light, restoring their pride, faith, and confidence.
The Versailles Treaty helped cause World War II by Isolating Germany, the treaty went against its own rules of keeping peace when they knew by excluding, humiliating, and promoting the idea of retaliation to Germany they would soon fight back.