The Treaty of Versailles Made World War II Inevitable Essay

The Treaty of Versailles Made World War II Inevitable - Essay Example The German people were told and believed its army was only defending its borders and taking back some lands previously held by the country. Germans deeply resented abiding by the financial, territorial and military concessions outlined in the treaty, resentments which were further exacerbated by the hardships resulting from the agreement. In addition, the exceedingly nationalistic sentiments of the German people were at its height at that time. Feelings of German pride were greatly damaged following the humiliation of losing a war they perceived to be a draw. Germans were well aware that the rest of the world looked upon them with contempt and as the losers. These perceptions emanated from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, a document that initiated deep-rooted and intense sentiments which Hitler and the Nazi Party ultimately exploited for their own objective of world domination. The Treaty of Versailles was, to say the least, a controversial pact. The French wanted to dissolve t he country of Germany while the U.S., specifically President Woodrow Wilson, favored more of a ‘forgive and forget’ approach. ... ion to France and consented to a military occupation by the allies (American, British, French and Belgian) in the majority of western Germany including the Rhineland and many cities. Belgium, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Denmark gained sections of former German territories. The German military machine that terrorized Western and Eastern Europe was all but dismantled. Additionally, the German Navy was reduced significantly to only a handful of small vessels. Financial reparations outlined in the treaty were substantial and ambiguous. Germany was forced to effectively sign over a blank check to the countries of Western Europe, an enormous amount that was to be paid-out for several decades (â€Å"The Treaty of Versailles† 2007). The German citizens and leaders were shocked when the terms of the Versailles Treaty were learned. The worst case scenario imagined by the Germans was far exceeded by a treaty that was, in their perspective, exceedingly and undeservedly harsh. The treaty me t immediate and nearly unanimous opposition by the German people well before its reluctant signing by a German envoy that had little option but to acquiesce. The two men of the German government who were initially selected to sign the treaty resigned rather than attach their name to the document and therefore accept responsibility for what they considered a travesty of justice. What incensed the Germans most was the signed admission they had initiated military actions and were therefore financially liable for the destruction that resulted from the war. Further, that the amount of the reparations was open-ended and non-specific was extremely troublesome. Many rightfully feared that the economic burden levied by the treaty would mean the collapse of the country itself, that the allies were intent on