Janelle Brehm

Treaty of Versailles
WC Period 2
World War I left approximately 17 million soldiers and civilians dead as well as
crumbling many European countries. To ensure the damage would not repeat, European
countries heavily enforced a peace treaty, known as the Treaty of Versailles. Little did they
know that the Treaty of Versailles would largely contribute to German anger through their
interpretations of unjust punishments, such as territorial losses, military restrictions,
expensive reparation payments, and the forced responsibility placed upon Germany for the
war.
When World War I ended, the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to give up land in
Denmark, the Alsace Lorraine, and the Polish Corridor. The territorial losses were difficult for
Germans because a large portion of their profits came from the land that they lost. Many
valuable resources could no longer be utilized by Germany. After the coal producing areas
were taken, the coal production in Germany was reduced by 40%. It was also difficult
because the German people who lived in the lost territories would have new rulers and be
viewed as enemies. Adolf Hitler declares that the restoration of the frontiers of 1914 could
be achieved only by blood. The new treaty angered Germany because the country did not
possess territory, crucial resources, and parts of their population anymore.
Another restriction placed on Germany was the total number of German military
troops allowed by Article 160 in the treaty. The country went from being known as one of
the largest militarys in the world to having approximately 100,000 troops. This number is
less than Belgium which shows that even the smallest countries have greater military
strength, and Germany is surrounded by larger imposing figures. Not only were the numbers
of troops limited, but the creation of demilitarized zones also restricted the any military
instillations, activities, or military forces. The role of the army was only to be used for selfdefense and for protection of the German borders. Since the German military was reduced,
many people were insecure about opposing powers taking over Germany. This insecurity
urged German powers to rearm and strengthen the German army.
Continuing, Articles 232 and 233 of the treaty specified the huge amounts of money
Germany had to pay back. The allied countries required Germany to take the blame for the
damage caused during the war. Throughout the first couple of years the value of money
plummeted and Germany paid very little of it back. This tactic from the allies harshly

restricted Germanys economy, but when Hitler came into power all reparation payments
stopped. People wanted to follow him because of the promises he made to better their lives.
In another article of the Versailles Treaty, The Allied and Associated Governments
declared that Germany and its allies were responsible for all losses and damages. The
aftermath of the war fell upon the allied countries, and they wanted money to be able to pay
for the devastation. These countries saw the Treaty of Versailles as an international
contract. Although, most Germans saw it as an atrocious injustice, an evil thing which
must be destroyed. Since the article accused Germany, the consequences the German
citizens faced were almost unbearable. To many the treaty was fair, but many Germans
were angered and found it to be unfair and unjust. The admiration towards Adolf Hitler grew
as he restored pride, reawakened a sense of self-respect, and forced the world to look at
Germany differently. With the help of Adolf Hitler, Germans were ready to fight for this
nationalistic pride and respect.
Although Germany was responsible for many deaths and damages during World War
I, it is simple to see how the Treaty of Versailles contributed to anger and desperation, which
would later lead to the cause of World War II. Germans were in need of a leader that would
help them earn back their lost territories, feel protected with a strong military, give the
people their money back, and remind Germans of their sense of national pride. Adolf Hitler
saw an opportunity to fight back, and he took it, intending to win, even if it took everything
Germany had.