World War 2 Dbq

From 1914 to 1918, the major powers in Europe were at the war. The war was Germany and Austria- Hungary against France, English, Russia, and later the United States joined. After 4 years of intense war, it finally ended with the Germans surrender. After the war has ended, the countries agreed to sign a peace treaty in 1919. However the treaty contained some major flaws that would eventually result World War 2.

Germany lost valuable lands and resources to the Versailles treaty. Alsace- Lorrain was returned to France. In addition, Germany surrendered all of its overseas colonies in Africa and the Pacifics. The land they lost was coal- producing areas, therefore German coal production reduced by 40%. This made life even more difficult for the Germans. With this, it brought the German to anger. In document A, Adolf Hitler said, “No nation can remove this hand from its throat except by the sword”. Hitler is trying to convince the people of Germany that only swords(war) can bring true peace.

In article 160 of the Versailles treaty, it suggests that the German Army must not exceed one hundred thousand men, including officers. Also, the army should be devoted exclusively to the maintenance of order within the territory and to the control of the frontiers. France and other countries like Poland and Belgium made a military alliances. They have

peacekeepers to make sure Germany is starting war again. France is in control of other countries reservists and peacekeepers. The cartoon in Document B suggests that German politicians and citizens felt unsafe and unfair about their military security compared to their neighbors.
In Article 231, it said, “Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage”.

The main idea was that Germany already accepted the responsibility of causing loss and damages to Allied and Associated Governments and also their nationals. However, the German felt that the treaty was injustice and it’s an evil thing that must be destroyed. Mostly they felt humiliation both as a nation and as individuals. The idea of Nazi was to restore a sense of pride and reawaken a sense of self- respect, which forced the world to look at Germany anew. This is the main reason that Hitler came to

power.
Overall, the Versailles treaty led to World War 2. With the end of World War 1, the Allies(mainly France and England) wanted to punish Germany. It resulted Germany to have huge amount of debts to pay back the Allies. Also, having to give up thirteen percent of Germany’s land and they prohibited Germany from having a full military. These actions angered the Germans. At Germany’s weakest and most vulnerable point, Hitler was able to rise in power. With the help of Hitler, the Germans were able to express their anger, which ultimately resulted WW2.