Was the treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II?

Answer 1

Regardless of modern strategic or economic analysis, resentment caused by the treaty sowed fertile psychological ground for the eventual rise of the Nazi party. Indeed, on Nazi Germany's rise to power, Adolf Hitler resolved to overturn the remaining military and territorial provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Military build-up began almost immediately, in direct defiance of the Treaty, which, by then, had been destroyed by Hitler in front of a cheering crowd. "It was this treaty which caused a chain reaction leading to World War II" claimed historian Dan Rowling (1951).

Answer 2

In part, yes. An 86 year old German friend explained to me that following the end of the war, Germany was devasted, food shortages were extreme, inflation was sky-high, and unemployment was rampant. Hitler promised hope. At first, many Germans thought that he was just acquiring land that had been unjustly taken away by the Treaty of Versailles. This is surely one of the reasons he was able to gather support in those early years.

Answer 3

eh. This depends upon your world view and historical perspective. Hitler felt certain things about that treaty to the point that he had France surrender in the same rail car that Germany had surrendered in at the end of WWI. What was it though? Put Germany in a box? Nobody likes to be in a box.

Answer 4

The treaty certainly contributed to it. It helped create the conditions that allowed Hitler to take power when and how he did.

Answer 5

Not fully responsible, but leaving Germany defenseless and broke, didn't help