The Triggers of the Second World War

The Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles , signed on June 28, 1919, marked the official conclusion of World War I. However, from the outset, it was clear that the defeated would face harsh peace terms. France, eager to protect itself from future German attacks, demanded reparations, demilitarization of the Rhineland region, and the ‘War Guilt Clause’ which placed the blame of the war squarely on Germany.

The imposition of such severe conditions was driven by France's desire for revenge, stemming from its defeat in the Franco Prussian War of 1871. This war also resulted in the unification of Germany , a fact that added insult to injury.

The German populace was outraged by the responsibility placed on them for the war. Rather than fostering peace, the victors seemed to be content with merely humiliating Germany. The demilitarisation, territorial losses, and the exorbitant reparations were akin to rubbing salt in an open wound.

The Weimar government, which came to power in Germany, was left with no choice but to accept these humiliating peace terms. This decision led to them being labelled as ‘criminals and traitors’ in the eyes of the German people. In an attempt to repay the massive reparations, the Weimar Republic began to print money in large quantities, leading to severe inflation and near economic collapse. The German people, frustrated with their government's mismanagement, started to support anyone who promised to reverse their humiliation. This was the time when Hitler and his Nazi party gained