Treaty of Versailles: Causes of Failure and Impact on WWII

Many historians claim that the Treaty of Versailles was a failure because it ultimately led to the rise of Adolf Hitler, World War II, and the Holocaust. But the big question is, why did the Treaty of Versailles fail? History claims that the Treaty failed as it brewed resentment amongst the Germans and also did not help in satisfying the Americans, French, and the British.

Germany's Punishment After World War I

Germany was seen as the country that led to World War I. Hence, the Allies decided to make the country sign a harsh and stringent treaty. This treaty forced Germany to concede its territories to other nations like Poland, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia and return the French land that was annexed during the Franco-Prussian War. Germany even lost its overseas colonies.

Military and Economic Restrictions on Germany

In addition, the Treaty reduced the size of the German army, and it was no longer allowed to have an air force or submarines. Germany was held responsible for the war and was made to take full responsibility and pay countries for causing wartime damage. It was understood that the country would not be able to pay the damages, and France was afraid that Germany would make a rapid recovery and then attack France. Hence, the French ensured that Germany would not regain its economic might by reducing the army to just 100,000 soldiers.

War Crimes Trials

The Treaty also allowed the start of war crimes trials against the Kaiser and several other German leaders. However, the Kaiser and many other top German leaders were not present for the trials, and hence, most of those who were tried were acquitted. The trials were seen as sham trials in and outside Germany.

International Disputes and Lack of Cooperation

The international disputes that led to the First World War did not subside with the Treaty of Versailles. In fact, the Treaty led to obstacles as the European countries would not cooperate with one another, and this led to further problems between nations.

Differing Views of the Allied Leaders

• Woodrow Wilson: The American president wanted the Treaty to contain all his 14 Points, which did not happen. When Wilson came back to the US, the Senate did not sign the Treaty as it was against it. Moreover, the Senate did not want the US to join the League of Nations.
• Georges Clemenceau: The French Prime Minister wanted the clauses of the Treaty to be more stringent; he further wanted Germany to be divided into smaller countries, which did not happen.
• David Lloyd George: The British Prime Minister felt that the terms of the Treaty were a bit too harsh and that it would end up ruining Germany. In fact, he felt that the Treaty would result in another war in Europe in the next twenty-five years, and how right he was! One of the British delegates who was present for the signing of the Treaty opined that it was not a just or wise treaty. However, as per Winston Churchill, under the given circumstances, the Treaty of Versailles was the best that the Big Four could achieve.

The Treaty's Failure and the Rise of Hitler

One of the main causes that led to the failure of the Treaty of Versailles was that the terms mentioned in the Treaty were not implemented. Also, the harshness of the Treaty brewed resentment and bitterness among the Germans, a fact that Adolf Hitler took advantage of to unite the Germans against the rest of Europe. This ultimately led to the Second World War.