The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that ended World War I. It was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles in France. The treaty was very harsh on Germany, and it was widely resented by the German people. The treaty required Germany to give up territory to the Allied Powers, pay reparations, and disarm its military. The treaty also placed the blame for World War I on Germany.
2. The Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that began in the United States in the 1930s. The depression had a devastating impact on the global economy, and it led to widespread unemployment and poverty. The Great Depression also contributed to the rise of nationalism and militarism in Europe.
3. The Rise of Fascism
Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of the nation and the state. Fascist regimes are often characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and militarism. Fascism became increasingly popular in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. This was due in part to the Great Depression, which led to widespread social unrest and a loss of faith in democracy.
4. The Failure of the League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organization that was created after World War I to promote peace and cooperation between nations. The League was unable to prevent World War II from starting. This was due in part to the fact that the United States did not join the League, and also because the League did not have the power to enforce its resolutions.
5. The Munich Agreement
The Munich Agreement was a 1938 agreement between Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France that allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. The agreement was widely seen as a failure of the Western powers to stand up to Hitler. The Munich Agreement also emboldened Hitler and led him to believe that he could continue to expand Germany's territory without facing any serious consequences.
6. The Invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This invasion was the start of World War II. The invasion of Poland was a clear violation of the Munich Agreement, and it showed that Hitler was not willing to stop at the Sudetenland. The invasion of Poland also led to the outbreak of war between Germany and France and Great Britain.