Causes Of The Treaty Of Versailles Essay

The Treaty Of Versailles was officially signed on June 28, 1919. Germany was held completely responsible for World War I, lost multiple formerly controlled territories, had to pay reparations, and demilitarize dramatically (including total destruction of their air force) according to the terms of the Treaty. In addition, Germany’s economy, industries, and workforce were collapsing, stagnant, and failing rapidly. The United States called in their notes from Germany as the onset of the Depression began, causing the banks to fail and leaving millions out of work. Many across the country were starving to death and the farmers suffered. German citizens were confused and afraid of a possible uprising of communism which translated into distrust for

Poverty, hunger, and discontent rested in the hearts of German citizens and there were longing for change; Hitler promised such through his foreign policy: abolition of the Treaty of Versailles, restore honor, expand Germany’s territory, create an empire that would last 1,000 years, and defeat communism at home and abroad. The German people blindly backed Hitler wholeheartedly due to what seemed like genuine dedication and devotion to the country; he knew that support for his movement was strong and boasted to US newsman Karl Wiegand that, “we have no need of other than legal methods..." [1] to solidify his political status. Hitler soon worked his way through political channels, utilizing striking propaganda and censorship along the war, to become Chancellor and then Supreme Leader of Germany with strong public support. In correspondence with his foreign policy, Hitler exploited the suffering German economy within the 1930’s for his own gain. He proposed an expansion of German borders that he claimed was necessary for economic improvement and to become a major power once again (similar to yet stronger than Germany was in World War