These clauses within the treaty that Germany was forced to ratify, would be considered harsh, even if it was set to an unaffected country, that had suffered no structural damage, wasn’t completely bankrupt and didn’t loose territory. How harsh would a person be if they not only unjustly asked huge amounts of compensation from you, but also took away your means of getting this money? This was certainly the case when the allies carved up Germany. Clemenceau wanted Germany to pay. Germany lost her main coal producing territories of Upper Silesia.
Wilson had published his 14 points, one of which stating that all countries are equal. With this in mind Germany came looking to join the League of Nations, only to be rejected, adding furthermore to the reasons for vengeance.
Well, the time for vengeance had come. With all these clauses, came great resentment and made this vengeance- seeking nation prone to leadership from a Fascist dictator like Hitler.
Now, the German’s widely accepted that the reparation’s could not and would not be paid. They now turned to Hitler, who promised food, employment and most importantly vengeance. This vengeance was to be gained by defying this treaty, which had pushed Germany “down”.
As promised, Hitler began returning this lost pride by invading territory that had been engulfed by the treaty of Versailles, claiming that it was in the name of self-determination. Hitler kept invading, but on 15 March 1939, the English became brave enough to take a stand. The old familiar alliance system, that had dragged the world into war 11 years ago, had come into effect. This situation was he clone of the situation before the First World War.
Inevitably, an even greater horror than the First World War lay ahead, a second world war, as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. It what this treaty that had fuelled the hate within the Germans because of the pain and suffering caused by the allies that had come crashing down on them. The Harshness of the treaty created an ideal situation for a fascist leadership. The treaty of Versailles set the scene for the chain of events which led to World War 2.
By Antony Thambiah
Forest School, Snaresbrook