Discuss the Treaty of Versailles and its role in the outbreak of WWII

S – Social Impacts

→ Germans felt angry, humiliated, and betrayed by the treaty.

• Many believed the “War Guilt Clause” was unfair.

• This led to a rise in nationalism and support for extremist leaders like Hitler.

• Society became desperate during the 1920s–1930s due to poverty and instability.

E – Economic Impacts

→ Germany was forced to pay huge reparations (over 30 billion USD).

• Caused hyperinflation, unemployment, and economic collapse in the 1920s.

• People turned to leaders who promised to fix the economy and ignore the treaty (like the Nazis).

M – Military Impacts

→ Germany’s military was severely limited—only 100,000 troops, no air force or submarines.

• This caused feelings of weakness and resentment.

• Hitler later rebuilt the army in secret, breaking the treaty and gaining support for restoring German power.

P – Political Impacts

→ The treaty weakened Germany’s government (Weimar Republic), which became unpopular.

• Hitler used the treaty to gain political support by promising to reject it.

• The treaty’s harshness created instability in Europe, making WWII more likely.

• The Allies hoped it would prevent war—but instead, it planted the seeds for another one.