Category: Treaty of Versailles

The Germans hated the Treaty of Versailles because they were not allowed to participate in the meeting. They think they have been deceived and betrayed, so they hate the treaty. The Germans hate Article 231 (which accuses Germany of provoking war) because it is an excuse for all the harsh provisions of the treaty and because they believe that Russia is responsible for starting the war. Germany’s military power was reduced and no troops were allowed on the Rhine. The Germans say this makes them powerless even against small countries. However, at the same time, Germany was banned from joining the League of Nations, which is an insult. Germany must pay 36.6 billion euros in compensation, which the Germans believe is aimed at destroying the economy and starving their children. Finally, the Germans hate losing their land. Alsace-Lorraine was sent back to France and it became a national humiliation. The German colony was handed over to France or Great Britain, and the Germans viewed it as the establishment of an empire. Worst of all, large tracts of land in Germany were allocated to countries like Poland, and Germany was unable to unite with Austria. Germans think this is unfair, because other countries have won the right to self-determination, but many Germans have lost the right to join Germany.

The main reason Germans hate the Treaty of Versailles is because they think it is unfair. Germany did not attend the meeting. When Germany disagreed, the clause was imposed on Germany. The Allied forces threatened to start another war. The Germans are seen as a failed country, but they don’t think they have been defeated. They signed the armistice ceasefire agreement in 1918 and thought they accepted Wilson’s 14 points. As a result, only 14 o’clock entered the treaty. The Germans think they have been cheated, and betrayed, and they hate treaties. The Germans are also angry at the various provisions of the treaty. They hate clause 231u2013 war negligence clauseu2019u2013, which states that Germany caused all losses and damages in the war. First of all, the Germans did not think it was the cause of the war (for the Germans, the war was a self-defense war against Russia, which was launched on July 31, 1914). In the 1920s, the Germans published all secret documents from 1914 to show that they had tried to stop the war. Secondly, the Germans hate Article 231, because accepting it gives the Allies the moral right to punish Germany. In 2013, this article verified all the harsh provisions of the treaty.

Germany hates the military provisions of the treaty (100,000 troops, only 6 battleships, no submarines or planes). The Germans say that even for the new small nation-states, this makes them powerless. The demilitarization of the Rhineland is annoying because the Weimar Republic is weak and had many rebellions. But in April 1920, when the Germans sent troops to the Rhineland to stop the riots, the French invaded. The Germans say that not even sending troops to places in Germany is a national insult. However, although the Allies did not allow Germany to join the military, they did not allow Germany to join the League of Nations. This is an insult, and it also means that Germany will never be able to get fair treatment from other countries, without an army or controversy. The Germans also hated compensation, and it was finally set at 36.6 billion euros (1921), to be paid in installments until 1984. They did not accept that Germany caused all the losses. They believe that this huge sum of money is aimed at destroying their economy and starving their children. Most importantly, they hate repairs because they also have to do reconstruction work. The German economy was destroyed, but the country was unable to inject investment into German industry. Instead, it had to remit huge sums of money to Germany, and German industry was not enough to make money.

Finally, the territorial provisions of the Treaty of Versailles also angered the Germans. Germany lost 10% of its territory. Saar is a precious coalfield, and West Prussia and Upper Silesia are rich agricultural areas, so its losses further weaken the German economy. The disappearance of the Polish corridor separated East Prussia from Germany and further harmed the German economy. Germany lost 16% of its coal reserves and half of its steel industry. The loss of the right to all German colonies was considered to be only the construction of the British Empire. Malmedy lost to Belgium, Schleswig lost to Denmark, Memel lost to Lithuania, especially Alsace-Lorraine lost to France2013 is also a national shame. The Treaty of Versailles also banned Anschluss and Austria. This seems unfair to the Germans, because, throughout Europe, the 1919 treaty gave people the right to self-determination, but divided Germany and distributed 12% of its population to other countries.

On the 28th of June 1919, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles in the of hall mirrors ending the First World War with the Allied powers led by British, France, Russia, and later Italy. This essay will seek to analyse the immediate historical events that took place before and after the article was written, which provoked the writer to give this statement. Indicating the article, it will comment and explain on the importance of specific points made in the statement. Ultimately, this essay will conclude with the importance of this source by summarising the main points and the historical events that stimulated the writer to compose this article.

The source given is extracted from article in Deutsche Zeitung a German newspaper published on 28th June 1919. The source addresses the German people about the Treaty of Versailles that was signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles after World War One on the 28th June 1919 between the Allied and the Central powers. The source informs that Germany was a glorious state and on 28th June 1919 it was entombed because the treaty points were against the German interest and had broken them economically, politically, militarily, and made them to decolonised their country. The article notifies and motivates the German people that they will not sit in peace until they take back what belonged to them once. Consequently, revenge was important to restore the humiliation of 1919.

The source was written seven months after the end of the First World War. The first step towards the ending of the war was Russia’s exit when Russia signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the central power on 3rd march 1918. Germany agreed to send exiled Bolshevik leaders, Vladimir Lenin, with 31 other emigrants opposed both to the tsarists and the liberals, back to Russia ending Russia’s participation in the war. After Russia’s exit from the war it was seemed as Germany had won a great victory, but the treaty had caused series of problems. Such as, over one million military men were still in the east to enforce the treaty whereas, these forces were needed badly on the western front. The most serious problem of all, the German and allied troops who were attracted to Communism, Bolshevik appeal for an end to the war with powerful force which was the direct cause of a wave of strikes beginning in Vienna in January 1918 and spreading to Germany. For the first few days Germany made amazing progress, marching up to 38 miles and destroying the British Fifth army. But the military operation soon became impede and corrupt leading towards deteriorated attacks with no clear objectives. These problems created disillusionment in the German army and Germany faced the dire prospect of defeat. With its allies defeated and military no longer willing to fight, Kaiser Wilhelm dethroned on 9th November and Germany signed the armistice, an agreement for peace and no more fighting, on 11th November 1918. Thus, bringing the First World War to an end.

As the article states the shameful peace has been signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, this shameful act was the Treaty of Versailles. In January 1919, leaders of thirty-two countries assembled in Paris to draw the Treaty of Versailles which was a peace settlement act. Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, had the 14 points as a plan for agreement unfortunately his plan was failed because there were many republicans and even some prominent democrats who did not support Wilson’s liberal peace programme. Furthermore, the British and the French leaders wanted to permanently reduce Germans power and to pay the reparations for the damage done by the war. The complete enormity of the task of rebuilding Europe was dreadful. There were political and economic turmoil across much of the central and eastern Europe. After the long decision, it was decided that Germany should be decolonised, she was forbidden to unite with Austria, German port of Danzig was made a free city under the league of nations, and the Saar coalfields were given to France for fifteen years. Moreover, Germany was disarmed having no tanks or aeroplane with limited army of 100,000 men and the fleet was to be surrendered to the allies. It was made clear that all the blame and war guilt of World War One was to be accepted by the Germans and they were expected to pay sixty-six hundred million pounds. As there was no German say in the treaty, by these terms, Germany was humiliated and they were affected economically which led to the hyperinflation in 1923.

This probably won’t have made a difference if the new international association, the League of Nation was not built up to keep a watch on world issues and settle disputes. The association aim was to keep peace and co-operation around the globe. It was proposed by President Wilson as the piece of his Fourteen points for peace in Europe. However, it was made to keep peace, yet it had fatal flaws. A serious downside was that three major countries had no part in it. The new Soviet Union (USSR), since she was communist, were left out and was not conceded until 1934. The United States Senate refuse to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, in this way keeping the US from joining the League. Germany was likewise excluded in the League of Nation due to her war history and was not conceded until 1926, pulling back herself in 1933. One more of the League’s serious issues was that it had no methods for implementing its choices, other than the burden of financial authorisations of farfetched adequacy it had no means of enforcing its decisions due to lack of presence from the army

In the last sentence of the source, it says that revenge is important to restore the humiliation of 1919. This revenge was taken by Hitler when he came in power in 1933. At once Hitler set about securing his authority using strong-arm tactics, enabling law through the state, giving him huge personal power. The German economy soon started to recover. He first made the German population believe that they lost the First World War because they were stabbed in the back by the Jewish. After using Jewish as a scape out for World War One Hitler convinced the Germans that he will overturn the humiliation of the treaty of Versailles. He used the propaganda, ordered Nazism to be studied at schools, and used the SA, the strum Abteilung or the Stormtroopers, to threaten anyone who disagreed with his Nazi believes. For taking the revenge he started to violate the treaty of Versailles. The treaty said that Germany could only have an army of 100,000 men. Hitler started to build up his army secretly, then, in 1935 he openly held a huge rearmament rally in 1935. He reintroduced conscription, a process of forcing people by law to join the armed services, and began to invest huge sums in the German armed forces building air force and the navy. In 1936, Hitler moved his troops towards Rhineland which was declared as a demilitarised zone by the treaty of Versailles. In 1938, Hitler made alliance with Austria and created a larger nation. Austria existed as a federal

state of Germany until the end of Second World War. Treat of Versailles stated that Germany had to pay sixty-six hundred million pounds (£6,600 million) as reparation money for the damage done by the First World War, Hitler stopped paying the reparation money and re-invested in the economy. lastly, in 1939 Hitler invaded Poland again violating the terms of the treaty of Versailles. Soon after Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany.

This essay pursues to analyse a portion extracted from the article in Deutsche Zeitung a German newspaper. The commentary places the article in the context of the end of the World War One 1918 and the Treaty of Versailles 1919. This commentary also discusses about The League of Nations 1920 which was the immediate historical content after the Treaty of Versailles and the process of Hitler in taking the revenge and restoring its glory. This article was published to tell the German population about the Treaty of Versailles was signed, which was a humiliation for Germany as it had decolonised its economy and broken them economically and militarily. The writer addresses that Germany was always a glorious state and because of the Treaty of Versailles its glory was taken away. Through the article, the writer is trying to motivate the German population and censuring the Allied powers that Germany have just lost a battle and they will not sit in tranquillity until they take back what once belong to them and once again Germany will become one of the most powerful country in Europe.

Through a constructive approach, this essay shows the extent to which the Treaty of Versailles was to blame for the extreme political instability in Weimar Germany. It includes contemporary and primary evidence such as Reichstag speeches, economists opinions and newspapers which examine the political climate during 1919-1933. Accounts, stories, and opinions have all been included in a narrative framework, and conclusions drawn consider general and generational experiences. A study of this issue is crucially important in a modern context. As of 2018, 89 countries have been significantly downgraded in the democracy index since the previous year. Elected leaders such as Viktor Orban of Hungary, Andrzej Duda of Poland, and Juan Guaido of Venezuela, have closed their free press or weaponised it as tool for propaganda. In Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has imprisoned thousands, from academics to journalists, simply for disagreeing with him; Istanbul elections have been annulled simply for producing results Erdogan didnt like. The west has its own threats to democracy, former US president Trump regularly bypassed congress through emergency decrees, heavily criticised and discredited left-wing media later encouraging his supporters to use violence against political opposition, leading to an attempted coup on January 6th 2021 . This global rise in extremists and strongmen has deepened social divisions, diminished the rule of law, and ultimately impoverished the countries it has spread to. The most effective historical paradigm one can draw which showcases the ways a country is led to extremism and the pitfalls fallen democratic states fall to is the study of German political life from 1919-33, which led the rise of Nazism.

As context, by late 1918, Germany would lose World War One. At home, its citizens were suffering greatly, a naval blockade caused severe food shortages, over 293,000 Germans died from starvation and hypothermia in 1918 alone. This combined with the war on two fronts, restricted Germanys ability to trade- the basis of most pre-war economic growth. By 1918 German miners were earning only 60 per cent of their pre-war salaries. The mark lost value and inflation was rapidly becoming a source of worry. In response, by September 1918, the German elite, Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff, requested that the Kaiser seek armistice. Resultantly, on the 11 November 1918 World War One ended with Germany surrendering. By January the next year, the very fabric of the country had shifted. The Kaiser abdicated leading to the formation of a republic. Meeting in Weimar, a constitution written by lawyer and liberal politician, Hugo Preuss, was drafted. The constitution was agreed upon, August 1919 and the first elections for the new Weimar Republic took place, Friedrich Ebert became Germanys first democratic president. Whilst this was occurring, the victorious Allies met in Versailles to discuss how to punish Germany. 28th June 1919, saw the German government sign a peace settlement aptly named the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty blamed Germany for the war and severely punished her militarily, territorially, and financially.

This dissertation examines the impact of the Treaty, weaknesses of Weimar and economic problems. Historians offer differing opinions on the issue some such as Richard J Evans and Geary disagree that Versailles was an important factor and place importance elsewhere. Conversely, others such as Collier, Pedley, Carr, Keynes and Burleigh emphasise the significance of the Treaty in creating political instability. Overall, this dissertation will show that the Treaty of Versailles had the most significant effect on German political life, outweighing other factors.

Would World War II have happened if the United States has supported the Treaty of Versailles?

Many factors attributed to the world powers once again being drawn into another world war. One of those influences was the “The Treaty of Versailles”.

Germany had no choice in drafting the treaty which included loss of territory, severe restrictions regarding limits to a standing military, and monetary compensation to other countries.

Treaty in Turmoil

This treaty weakens Germany through all the sanctions that were imposed and caused discontent among the United States and the implementors of the treaty.

The treaty did bring an end to the conflicts between the allies and central powers thus ending World War I.

The intention was to bring peace to the opposing sides with the hopes that it would avoid the possibility of another similar war.

For a treaty to be effective and long-lasting it must be fair for both conflicting sides. The treaty alliance members could not agree to a common ground as some of the members were open to fairer sanctions, peaceful and open dialogue but others mainly France wanted suppression and revenge of Germany with no consideration of its grievances

The German people were angered and expressed their dissatisfaction with the treaty as they did not feel the provisions were fair

The reality was that new conflicts emerged because of the treaty that could not be resolved which was one of the catalysts for Word War II.

The League of Nations failed

The forming of this peacekeeping organization was founded in 1919 with the goal of preventing future wars and implement policies. The intent was to work thru disputes by diplomatic means as it would act as the overseeing government with the role of resolving disputes with an open and fair forum.

Because the League lacked the ability to have an armed force, which would be needed to enforce policy resolutions and uphold imposed sanctions, they would have to depend on league members to provide these resources.

Because the United States was at the time the number one world superpowers and never joined the League of Nations and the unsuccessful attempts to form an independent body of armed forces meant that the failure of this organization was inevitable

World Superpowers can have an influence

The United States had both the military and financial might to influence world policy.

The United States did not agree with the treaty’s standing policies because it was thought to

Have negative repercussions for the United States and its foundation of our core values of democracy.

Had the United States pushed their influence with changes to the treaty that aligned more towards an open and democrat approach, Germany would have been more agreeable to the fairer conditions to the treaty.

The German people would have had more input and still have a country they could call their own, Adolf Hitler and his party may have never come to power thus World War II would have never happened.

Conclusion

World War II may have been averted if the United States had played a leading role in the drafting, and governance of the “The Treaty of Versailles”. If the treaty was built with opportunities of compromise that allowed Germany to save face along with the United States financial incentives, this most likely would have influenced countries who may not have wanted to be more forgiving to Germany to agree to a more diplomatic approach and opposed to a more restrictive position it would have been a high probability that Germany would not have empowered Hitler’s rise to power.

Germany did not have what they thought was fair representation combines with Hitler’s rise to power became the main contributors to the cause and advancement of World War 2

Introduction

The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 at the end of World War I, was intended to establish peace and prevent future conflicts. However, it ultimately failed to achieve its objectives and led to significant geopolitical consequences. This essay aims to present arguments and evidence to support the view that the Treaty of Versailles failed due to its punitive terms, which sowed the seeds of resentment, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions.

Punitive Terms and Reparations

One of the primary reasons for the failure of the Treaty of Versailles was its punitive nature. The treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany, demanding massive financial compensation for war damages. These reparations placed an enormous burden on the German economy, leading to hyperinflation, economic collapse, and widespread poverty. The punitive terms of the treaty created a sense of injustice and humiliation among the German population, fostering a fertile ground for resentment and the rise of extremist ideologies.

Nationalism and Revisionist Sentiment

The Treaty of Versailles not only imposed reparations but also placed severe limitations on Germany’s military power and territorial sovereignty. These restrictions fueled nationalist sentiments and aspirations for revision. The perceived unfairness of the treaty and the loss of territories further fueled German nationalism, contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. The failure to address the underlying nationalist aspirations of Germany and other nations created an atmosphere of resentment and desire for territorial revisions, leading to future conflicts.

Failure to Address Geopolitical Realities

The Treaty of Versailles failed to account for the geopolitical realities of the time. It ignored the aspirations of self-determination of various ethnic and national groups, particularly in Eastern Europe. The redrawing of borders and creation of new nations without considering the ethnic and religious composition of these regions led to unresolved territorial disputes and ethnic tensions. The failure to address these issues adequately set the stage for future conflicts, such as World War II and the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Weak Enforcement Mechanisms

Despite its punitive terms, the Treaty of Versailles lacked effective enforcement mechanisms. Germany was able to circumvent some of its obligations, such as rearmament, leading to a re-emergence of its military power. The lack of strong enforcement allowed for the violation of treaty provisions, undermining its effectiveness and credibility. This weakened enforcement contributed to a perception of the treaty as flawed and ineffective, further eroding its ability to maintain peace and stability.

Unresolved Global Issues

The Treaty of Versailles failed to address several global issues that had a significant impact on international relations. It did not adequately address colonialism, economic disparities, or the root causes of conflicts. These unresolved issues created fertile ground for future tensions and conflicts, as they perpetuated global inequalities and rivalries. The failure of the treaty to address these systemic issues limited its ability to establish a lasting and comprehensive framework for peace.

Conclusion

The Treaty of Versailles failed due to its punitive terms, failure to address geopolitical realities, weak enforcement mechanisms, and unresolved global issues. The harsh reparations and limitations imposed on Germany created a sense of injustice and resentment, fueling nationalist sentiments and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II. The treaty’s inability to address underlying tensions and inequalities ensured that peace and stability remained elusive. It is important to learn from the failures of the Treaty of Versailles and strive for comprehensive and fair agreements that address the root causes of conflicts, promote reconciliation, and establish a lasting peace.

The Treaty of Versailles have become written and signed in 1919 to punish Germany and to finalize the surrender of the warfare; however, the Allied Powers in no manner expected it to spark a warfare even worse than the remaining. international struggle I started out as a conflict for economic and political power which grew in period as more countries joined because of country wide pride and alliances. whilst Germany and their alliances misplaced the struggle, the Treaty of Versailles became created. Wilson preferred the treaty to assure independence and boom the League of nations on the alternative hand, Clemenceau of France had plans to make Germany pay and strongly weaken their forces simply so they could in no manner upward thrust again. The grief and desperation Germany had due to the hard treaty later helped have an impact on the rise of Hitler. The Treaty of Versailles became created in hopes of stabilizing Europe and ensuring every other global warfare could in no manner happen once more. sadly, the Treaty truely helped purpose world conflict II with the resource of the usage of fueling Germany’s anger in opposition to their territorial losses, navy guidelines, economic reparations, and the warfare Guilt Clause.The territorial losses as a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles harm Germany’s financial device majorly and helped have an impact on Hitler to jot down a completely unique based totally completely at the hardships that he confronted. The territories out of place with the aid of the use of Germany had been most important coal manufacturers which helped deliver their primary supply of profits. in line with Treaty of Versailles, “The Treaty took coal-generating regions farfar from Germany, lowering German coal production with the resource of using forty”. even though East Prussia have become nevertheless in German control, the get admission to to it have become very difficult because of the shortage of the Polish hall. without the Polish corridor, Germany could not attain East Prussia without crossing Enemy territory. As a stop end result of the territorial losses because of the treaty, Germany’s coal production have become considerably decreased which harmed the monetary gadget and taken Hitler to result in the Germans to fight.The army policies created with the aid of using the Treaty of Versailles left Germany vulnerable, humiliated, and helpless. The policies required Germany to have an navy no huge than “100 thousand men, along side officers”, as stated within the Treaty of Versailles, meanwhile, France had an army totaling round 6,760,000 guys. The navy Germany had became a whole lot less than half of of the sizes of the armies of the neighboring nations. Even Belgium’s navy became large than Germany’s with the aid of the use of about 502,000 men. The Treaty of Versailles moreover states , the characteristic of the navy were changed to shield “order within the territory and to govern the frontiers” (art.a hundred and sixty). As a end end result of the army policies created with the useful resource of the use of the treaty, Germany had almost no power or protection and felt threatened with the resource of the usage of France and their allies. The financial reparations assigned with the aid of using the Treaty of Versailles located entire blame and outcomes of the warfare on Germany’s shoulders. The Treaty of Versailles states, Germany have become required to “make compensation for all damage accomplished to the civilian population of the Allied and associated Powers and to their belongings” (artwork. 232). The coins Germany owed, however, became quite unrealistic to the quantity their authorities had, especially with the lack in their essential coal producers. France anticipated Germany to pay 132 billion gold marks inside thirty years after may also 1, 1921, but in 1933, Hitler came to power and stopped all payments. As a stop result of the economic reparations assigned with the aid of using the treaty, Germany became left irritated, humiliated, and terrible. All of these reasons contributed to the desperation of the people, which gave Hitler an possibility to upward thrust in electricity.The struggle Guilt Clause have become written due to the fact the part of the Treaty of Versailles which gave entire obligation of losses and damage from the conflict to Germany. The Treaty of Versailles states, “Germany accepts the duty of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage” which gave Germany entire blame for the effects of the warfare. The clause itself became a proper away hit to Germany’s pride and Laurence V. Moyer believes, “most Germans noticed it as an atrocious injustice, an evil thing which want to be destroyed”. With this in thoughts, Hitler’s rise recovered their sense of delight and self-appreciate, making him an appropriate figure to look as much as. His concept have become to trade the way Germany became seen with the useful resource of using the global. As a give up result of the conflict Guilt Clause, Germany have become given complete responsibility of the battle and the citizens had been humiliated and vulnerable. Their desperation and despair helped lead Hitler and the Nazi regime’s upward push to energy.even though the Treaty of Versailles have become created in hopes of stabilizing Europe and ensuring every different global warfare may want to in no manner manifest once more, the treaty had however helped cause world war II. The plans Clemenceau had to weaken Germany did now not pass as predicted and usually strengthened the stopping spirit the kingdom had. Germany acquired in power with the hardships that they faced. Hitler couldn’t have risen to electricity so effects without the determined devotion he had from his followers. in any case, the treaty helped purpose WWII with the aid of the use of frightening Germany with territorial losses, military policies, monetary reparations, and the battle Guilt Clause.

The Treaty of Versailles became written and signed in 1919 to punish Germany and to finalize the give up of the conflict; but, the Allied Powers in no way anticipated it to spark a war even worse than the closing. global warfare I started out as a warfare for financial and political power which grew in period as extra international locations joined due to country wide delight and alliances. when Germany and their alliances misplaced the war, the Treaty of Versailles have become created. Wilson favored the treaty to assure independence and growth the League of nations on the other hand, Clemenceau of France had plans to make Germany pay and strongly weaken their forces in order that they could in no way upward push once more. The grief and desperation Germany had due to the tough treaty later helped have an effect at the upward thrust of Hitler. The Treaty of Versailles became created in hopes of stabilizing Europe and making sure every other worldwide war ought to in no manner take place again. regrettably, the Treaty definitely helped motive world battle II with the resource of using fueling Germany’s anger in opposition to their territorial losses, army rules, financial reparations, and the struggle Guilt Clause.The territorial losses because of the Treaty of Versailles harm Germany’s economic gadget majorly and helped have an impact on Hitler to put in writing a completely unique based totally totally on the hardships that he faced. The territories misplaced with the aid of the use of Germany were foremost coal producers which helped deliver their primary deliver of earnings. in step with Treaty of Versailles , “The Treaty took coal-producing areas farfar from Germany, reducing German coal production with the aid of the usage of 40%” . despite the fact that East Prussia have become although in German control, the access to it have become very tough because of the shortage of the Polish corridor. with out the Polish corridor, Germany could not achieve East Prussia with out crossing Enemy territory. As a give up end result of the territorial losses as a result of the treaty, Germany’s coal production became considerably reduced which harmed the financial system and brought Hitler to set off the Germans to fight.The navy regulations created with the useful resource of the use of the Treaty of Versailles left Germany susceptible, humiliated, and helpless. The regulations required Germany to have an navy no big than “100 thousand men, together with officials”, as stated inside the Treaty of Versailles , in the meantime, France had an army totaling spherical 6,760,000 men . The military Germany had have become a great deal less than half of of the sizes of the armies of the neighboring countries. Even Belgium’s military became larger than Germany’s with the resource of the use of approximately 502,000 guys. The Treaty of Versailles moreover states , the function of the navy were changed to protect “order in the territory and to govern the frontiers” . As a stop end result of the military guidelines created with the aid of the use of the treaty, Germany had nearly no energy or safety and felt threatened with the useful resource of using France and their allies. The financial reparations assigned with the resource of using the Treaty of Versailles placed complete blame and results of the war on Germany’s shoulders. The Treaty of Versailles states , Germany have become required to “make repayment for all damage done to the civilian population of the Allied and related Powers and to their assets” . The coins Germany owed, but, have become pretty unrealistic to the amount their authorities had, specifically with the shortage in their primary coal manufacturers. France anticipated Germany to pay 132 billion gold marks inside thirty years after may also 1, 1921, but in 1933, Hitler got here to power and stopped all bills. As a end end result of the financial reparations assigned with the resource of the use of the treaty, Germany became left indignant, humiliated, and negative. All of those motives contributed to the desperation of the human beings, which gave Hitler an possibility to rise in strength.The struggle Guilt Clause became written because the part of the Treaty of Versailles which gave entire duty of losses and damage from the war to Germany. The Treaty of Versailles states , “Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for inflicting all of the loss and harm” which gave Germany complete blame for the outcomes of the battle . The clause itself have become a proper away hit to Germany’s pride and Laurence V. Moyer believes , “most Germans observed it as an atrocious injustice, an evil factor which want to be destroyed” . With this in mind, Hitler’s upward push recovered their experience of pride and self-appreciate, making him the perfect parent to appearance up to. His concept became to trade the way Germany have become seen with the aid of the usage of the global. As a end end result of the struggle Guilt Clause, Germany have become given whole obligation of the battle and the citizens had been humiliated and weak. Their desperation and depression helped lead Hitler and the Nazi regime’s rise to strength.although the Treaty of Versailles have become created in hopes of stabilizing Europe and making sure each different global conflict ought to in no manner appear once more, the treaty had although helped purpose world war II. The plans Clemenceau needed to weaken Germany did now now not skip as anticipated and usually reinforced the stopping spirit the dominion had. Germany received in energy with the hardships that they confronted. Hitler could not have risen to electricity so effects with out the determined devotion he had from his fans. in any case, the treaty helped purpose WWII with the useful resource of using scary Germany with territorial losses, navy guidelines, economic reparations, and the war Guilt Clause.

The Treaty of Versailles leaves Germany greatly weakened in terms of economic and military power, which gives a rise of resentment within the German nation. The Principal Allied and Associated Powers impose harsh restrictions on the German army.

Part V of the Treaty of Versailles is dedicated solely to the limitation of German armament. Articles 159-213 constitute the military, naval, and air clauses, which Germany has to comply with in order to “render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations” (United States). Article 160 states: “By a date which must not be later than March 31, 1920, the German Army must not comprise more than seven divisions of infantry and three divisions of cavalry. After that date, the total number of effective in the Army of the States constituting Germany must not exceed one hundred thousand men.”

The Treaty also limits the air and naval forces, production, import, and export of arms, and the militarization of German fortifications. In addition to these military measures, Germany is also obliged to pay heavy reparations, outlined in Part VIII of the Treaty. This section of the agreement opens with Article 231, which places full responsibility for the war on Germany and its allies; therefore, Germany is to cover for all the damage caused to the Allied Powers in order to “enable [them] to proceed at once to the restoration of their industrial and economic life.” The reparations, amounting to 20 billion gold marks in the first three years, make it impossible for Germany to restore and stabilize its own economy (United States).

The goal of the Allied Powers is to weaken Germany both militarily and economically in order to prevent possible future aggressions. The severe conditions of the Treaty lead Germany into a financial crisis and create a feeling of national humiliation. Germans at the time see the Treaty of Versailles as unfair and shameful. This becomes the first precondition for violating its clauses. Hitler, who is appointed Chancellor of the state in 1933, encourages the uprising resentment of German people towards the Allies. In 1939, in his response to a telegram from US President Franklin Roosevelt, Hitler claims the Treaty of Versailles is “the most dastardly outrage ever committed against a people and man” (Hitler). He centers his policies around the abolition of the 1919 agreement.

The Fuhrer openly declares his actions in a speech in 1939 in Munich: “My program was to abolish the Treaty of Versailles. It is futile nonsense for the rest of the world to pretend today that I did not reveal this program until 1933 or 1935 or 1937. Instead of listening to this foolish chatter of emigres, these gentlemen would have been wiser to read what I have written thousands of times” (Powell). Yet despite Hitler’s vocal campaign against the Treaty of Versailles and his open actions endangering the peace, the victorious countries of World War I fail to frustrate his plans.

Subject and Background

The Rhineland, located at Germany’s borders with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands is a demilitarized zone as implemented under the Treaty of Versailles as well as its enforcement, the 1925 Treaty of Locarno. Under the power of German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, the area was compromised by his sudden attack, challenging the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Claiming that the treaty was hostile to Germany, Hitler sent German troops into the Rhineland in March 1936, disobeying the terms of both the Versailles and Locarno treaties.

As a meeting of the Cabinet is called upon to assess policy options and suitable actions on Britain’s part, it is imperative to decide if intervention in the Rhineland is practicable and if it is worth a potentially dangerous conflict with Germany.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Home Office are to prevent war and to not intervene militarily. The primary focus of the Home Office has traditionally been to protect national interests, as well as to maintain law and order, national security, and immigration in the territory.

By going to war, Britain potentially risks order in the country and could suffer economically and risk entering into another Great Depression. In World War 1, Britain’s expensive and inefficient wartime financial policy led to a huge national debt that rose up to 26 percent of the GDP (Daunton, 2002). Public finances were dislocated, and labor unrest grew in the 1920s. There was a political requirement that interest groups were to remain equal in efforts to resolve the debt burden (Godden, 2017). The export trade collapsed, more than 1 million British soldiers lost their lives, and 2 million were left wounded or disabled (McDonough, year)

Social problems also arose because of the debt Britain was handicapped to fulfill, and three instances of actual and attempted industrial action including the threat of industrial action by the trade unions in April 1921 (“Black Friday”), in July 1925, and the collapse of negotiations between the government and unions over wages and labor hours in the mining industry (Godden, 2017). The rise of industrial disputes and union strikes jeopardized national security, and also caused a stir in the Home Office’s maintenance of order in the country.

The ongoing policing of the empire also means that Britain cannot afford major rearmament to go to war with Germany. Support would be weak, given that France, Britain’s main ally, had been seriously weakened after the First World War and contributed to an onslaught of domestic problems that are waiting to be tackled one by one.

The instability of the region could also lead to an increased number of illegal entries into Britain, as well as a surge of refugees that Britain may not be able to accommodate post-Great War. The Aliens Order of 1920 was implemented post World War 1 in order to contain widespread unemployment bypassing restrictions on foreigners within Britain. This act alone, meant for safeguarding jobs, has created another social and political issue for Britain as it had impacted foreign seamen working on British ships.

Home Affairs’ main stance is to stay true to the appeasement strategy and avoid war at all costs for the sake of stabilizing and rebuilding domestically.

Options and Analysis

A. No military intervention, utilize appeasement strategy

The Home Office states that Britain should primarily focus on rebuilding its economy and national security post-Great War, and no military intervention should be carried out with regard to the Rhineland crisis. Britain should continue to utilize the League of Nations to resolve ongoing conflict and speak with the German ambassador to make proposals to end the crisis without retaliating with force.

This option moving forward is feasible as the defense policy was based on two propositions that war will not occur for the next ten years, the ‘Ten Year Rule’ would be jeopardized if Britain once again goes to war (Dunbabin, 1975, n.p.). Existing military capabilities have been greatly reduced (Bond, n.p.), and heavy losses in the Great War have made it highly questionable to extend security commitments to the rest of the region given its instability and the likelihood of Britain’s potential involvement in the war.

Staying true to the appeasement strategy would be vital to ensure Britain’s national security and law and order within the country. Britain cannot afford to be a part of yet another war while still rebuilding losses incurred from the previous war, and Commonwealth support is not guaranteed (Taylor, 2018, n.p.). Military spending has been reduced to a minimum to make way for foreign trade, which is the main income for Britain.

By not going into a war or intervening militarily, Britain seeks to save military expenditure and costs that would be taken out of other areas of national expenditure in order to rearm. The people of Britain would also be able to gradually rebuild their losses without the threat of another war should Britain intervene, and The Home Office prioritizes the matter of domestic national security and interest before the needs of other neighboring countries.

Alternatively, utilizing the appeasement strategy could also buy time for Britain to re-arm should a war arise. The delaying of confrontation by appeasement can also allow Britain to nationally prepare for war (Ripsman and Levy, 2008, p. 151).

However, it is important to consider that Germany, similar to their surprise attack on the Rhineland and betrayal of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles could easily turn against any verbal and physical commitments made, putting Britain in a position whereby concessions are made but promises are unfulfilled. Germany continues to pose a risk of attack against its neighbors despite concessions.

B. Revise the Treaty of Versailles so Germany could pursue revisionism in Eastern Europe peacefully

The Home Office understands that the Treaty of Versailles had been deemed to be unfair to Germany and seeks to revise the treaty to Germany’s favor, in order to gain a favorable response and acceptance of international order. The Treaty of Versailles is a harsh punishment and had room for revision, and Germany was bound to seek treaty revision, and British foreign policy, with appeasement, was open to providing (McDonough, 2010, n.p.). By providing a platform for Germany to pursue their desires peacefully, Franco-German relations could potentially improve, eradicating the possibility of another war and greatly reducing Britain’s military involvement.

It is suggested that the leaders of the countries involved convene in a peace meeting, potentially to revise the terms of the Treaty of Versailles so as to relieve Germany of certain restrictions that may have led to the attack on the Rhineland. By exchanging certain conditions, Britain can then encourage Germany to remove their troops from Rhineland and implement clauses in the revised treaty so as to prevent Germany from ever having to launch an attack in pursuit of revisionism.

The option would be considered feasible however with limitations. Britain would seek the need to convene with other parties involved in the Treaty of Versailles and will be met with disagreement, especially France which suffered great losses post-war. The costs will be great in magnitude and allowing Germany to seek revisionism would automatically require their rearmament. This would stir unhappiness in other involved parties, who would possibly disagree with the appeasement strategy. Britain must be prepared to let go of most, if not all war losses and be ready to sacrifice some parts of national interest and repayment in order to allow Germany to seek peaceful revisionism and lower the risk of war.

The risk of war still remains, and Britain cannot ascertain Germany’s trustworthiness and obedience to the treaty, should it be revised. Hitler possessed a form of ambition that might not amount to just a revised treaty (Ferrell, 1995, n.p.). It would be a toss of the dice for Britain to assume that Hitler will abide by the new rules of the treaty, but it would be Britain’s potential way out of an incoming war. The main disadvantage of the option would be strained relationships and tension between Britain and the other involved countries, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, who may be at higher risk given Germany’s new revised terms in the treaty.

C. Proceed with military intervention but avoid war at all costs

The Home Office’s minimal support for military intervention still stands but provides this option as a final resort if no beneficial conclusion can be invoked. It is still important for Britain to safeguard its territories as well as its other empires and if peaceful negotiation does not come to fruition, military involvement would be necessary to safeguard national interests.

The avoidance of war will still remain a top priority for the Home Office in order to maintain order and stability domestically while still recovering from the losses incurred during the Great War.

With Germany severely disarmed based on the Treaty of Versailles, and Britain being a stronger military force despite setbacks in manpower and spending, Britain will still be able to put pressure on Germany to remove their troops with the use of military force. However, Britain will be disadvantaged if there were to be circumstances beyond control with little support from the Commonwealth and France, who have been severely disarmed after the Great War. National security and order will be compromised if the intervention results in war.

Recommendation and Justification

Option A is the most desired approach considering its possible benefits not only to Britain but to Germany and the surrounding countries as well. Firstly, by avoiding military intervention and war, Britain can continue to maintain national security and order amidst a war-torn situation that the Great War had left behind. The appeasement of Germany would also provide Britain with more time to re-arm for a potential war should it arise, and by using the appeasement strategy, Britain can delay confrontation and also avoid having to channel funds into military spending within a short amount of time. The appeasement strategy would also be a better action from the perspective of The Home Office with consideration for national security as well as domestic sentiment to avoid war (Taylor, 2018, n.p.). The Home Office prioritizes national stability and is against going to war or getting involved militarily in the Rhineland crisis, and endeavors to use a more peaceful strategy such as appeasement to resolve the ongoing issue.

The option poses a risk as Germany’s betrayal of the Treaty of Versailles’ terms is unforgivable and proves that Germany is fully capable of breaking treaties to seek revisionism. This poses a risk to Britain as concessions can be made but may still incur an unwanted attack from Germany. It will also portray Britain to be weak at the hands of a power-hungry Germany, and appeasement would significantly weaken Britain’s position as a superpower. However, as a matter of domestic interests, the Home Office advocates for stability as a nation as opposed to its position to others.

It is recommended that the Prime Minister

Do not choose to intervene militarily and avoid war at all costs by using the appeasement strategy to create a beneficial conclusion for all parties without violence.

Suggest a revision of the Treaty of Versailles to be less harsh on Germany, which can lead to their removal of troops in the Rhineland with fairer terms.

Use the time bought by appeasement to gradually rearm and gradually increase military spending to prepare for potential wars.

Convene a meeting with leaders of the involved territories and seek to resolve the matter peacefully by mutual agreement.