What is considered a scapegoat? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a scapegoat means: one that bears the blame for others. Germany was viewed as a scapegoat of the Central Powers after the First World War, which made impact on Europe and the U.S. ― World War I began after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, involved many countries, had two fronts, and ended on the 11th of November, 1918 (BG Essay) ― and all the devastation and destruction followed. Germany gets to be blamed and called for the damages due to the creation of the Treaty of Versailles with the help of leaders of nations. How did the Versailles Treaty, which was formed months after the end of the First World War, help cause the Second World War? This treaty contributed by treating Germany harshly through the following ways: territorial losses, military restrictions, economic reparations, and war guilt.
One way the Treaty of Versailles had
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The German army must only consist of one hundred thousand soldiers, and it shouldn’t exceed the given number as stated on the treaty (Doc B). Limiting the army is a substantial factor and this would mean a deformed government for Germany. If any attack is underway, Germany wouldn’t be able to uphold and they would have weak defense. The restricted country is bullied, stomped upon, walked on, and if Germany is threatened, its attackers are convinced Germany is incapable of initiating a war. Germany’s army now is weak compared to the other four countries surrounding it full with hundreds of thousands of reserves excluding full-time troops, which Germany truly lacks of (Doc B). Due to the military-rich countries around Germany, the military-less country is easily bullied, and highly likely to be attacked, thus helping prevent Germany’s rise to power. The said country’s defense is weakened ever more by the limited