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The Treaty Of Versailles: The War Guilt Clauses

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The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was meant to bring an end to World War and create lasting peace throughout Europe. The treaty was signed by the victorious allied powers, including France, Great Britain, and the United States, and it aimed to hold Germany accountable for their role in the War. The treaty required Germany to take full responsibility for the war, pay reparations to allied powers, and reduce its military capacity. However, these harsh reparations burdened Germany heavily and ultimately caused political unrest, contrary to its goal. The treaty’s war guilt fueled the rise of militarism, a belief that a country should use military methods to achieve its goal. This troubled state provided the stepping stones for the advancement …show more content…

The War Guilt Clause paved the way for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party because the people wanted revenge and stability during this chaotic time period. The German people saw Hitler as the answer. Hitler and the Nazi Party used propaganda to promote their ideas and appeal to the German people who sought a new influence. They employed many techniques to manipulate public opinion to create a sense of unity. Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, played a vital role in influencing the Nazi power, fueling aggressive militarism and Anti-semitism, prejudice, and hatred towards Jews. The ideas and messages in Mein Kampf became popular with the Germans because they believed that Hitler was a strong leader who could restore Germany's greatness. Hitler stated, “Only childish and naive minds can lull themselves in the idea that they can bring about a correction of Versailles by wheedling and begging... No nation can remove this hand from its throat except by the sword” (Hitler). This line from Hitler fueled the German people to rebel and take retribution. Ultimately, Hitler imposed beliefs that the reason for the country's struggle was because other countries punished Germany and made them pay for World War I, taking advantage of the already hurt Germany. Essentially, Hitler gained power quickly as he became very popular, profiting from suffering Germany due to the Treaty of Versailles, which contributed to the start of World War

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