Treaty of Versailles and Rise of Nazi Germany: Key Events and Impact

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Peace treaty that officially ended World War One and punished Germany by taking land, reducing the military, forcing war guilt, and demanding reparations

Main purpose of the Treaty of Versailles

To officially end World War One and prevent Germany from becoming powerful again

Why did Germans hate the Treaty of Versailles?

They felt it was unfair, humiliating, blamed them for the war, weakened their economy, and damaged national pride

War Guilt Clause

Germany had to accept full responsibility for causing World War One

Reparations

Germany was forced to pay £6.6 billion for war damage, worsening economic problems

Military restrictions

German army limited to 100000 men, no air force, no tanks or submarines

Loss of land

Germany lost colonies and land such as Alsace-Lorraine, weakening resources and pride

Big Three at Versailles

David Lloyd George of Britain, Georges Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the USA

Woodrow Wilson's aim

To prevent another world war through fair peace and the League of Nations

Impact of World War One on Germany

Economic collapse, political instability, resentment, and anger towards the new Weimar Government

Weimar Republic

Democratic government formed in Germany in 1919 after Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated

Why the Weimar Republic was unpopular

It signed the Treaty of Versailles and was blamed for Germany's humiliation

Reparations crisis (1922)

Germany said it could not afford reparations due to economic hardship

Invasion of the Ruhr (1923)

French and Belgian troops occupied Germany's industrial region to take unpaid reparations

Passive resistance

Ruhr workers went on strike instead of cooperating with the French

Hyperinflation (1923)

German money became worthless due to excessive printing of banknotes

Effects of hyperinflation

Savings were wiped out, food shortages increased, crime rose, and living standards collapsed

Who suffered most from hyperinflation?

Elderly people, savers, and those on fixed incomes

Who benefited from hyperinflation?

People with debts and some wealthy landowners

Gustav Stresemann

Chancellor who stabilised Germany between 1924 and 1929

How Stresemann helped Germany

Introduced a new currency, negotiated the Dawes Plan, and improved foreign relations

Dawes Plan (1924)

US loans helped Germany pay reparations and rebuild the economy

Wall Street Crash (1929)

Collapse of the US stock market that triggered a worldwide depression

Impact of the Wall Street Crash on Germany

US loans were recalled, businesses failed, unemployment rose, and poverty increased

Why the Depression helped the Nazis

People lost faith in democracy and turned to extreme parties promising change

Nazi Party

Extreme nationalist party led by Adolf Hitler

Hitler's beliefs

Nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and rejection of democracy

Hitler becomes Nazi leader (1921)

He took control of the party and shaped its ideology

Munich Putsch (1923)

Failed Nazi attempt to overthrow the Weimar Government

Result of the Munich Putsch

Hitler was imprisoned and the Nazi Party was temporarily banned

Mein Kampf

Book written by Hitler in prison outlining Nazi beliefs

Nazis in the wilderness (1924-1929)

Period when the Nazi Party had little support

Nazi recovery after 1929

Economic crisis increased Nazi votes and popularity

Nazi election success (1930)

Nazis became the second largest party in the Reichstag

Why Nazis succeeded in elections

Strong leadership, propaganda, fear of communism, and promises of jobs

Propaganda

Use of posters, speeches, and rallies to spread Nazi messages

Hitler becomes Chancellor (1933)

Appointed by President Hindenburg after political deadlock

Why Hitler was appointed Chancellor

Conservatives believed they could control him and needed Nazi support

Reichstag Fire (1933)

Fire blamed on communists and used to remove civil liberties

Enabling Act (1933)

Law that gave Hitler power to make laws without parliament

How Hitler became dictator by 1934

Used emergency powers, banned opposition parties, and controlled Germany completely

Order of key events

Treaty of Versailles is signed, Hitler becomes Nazi leader, Munich Putsch, Wall Street Crash, Hitler becomes Chancellor