High School

How did German expansion during WWII defy the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer :

The German expansion during World War II defied the Treaty of Versailles in several significant ways. Here's a detailed explanation:

  1. Rearmament:

    • The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed strict limitations on the German military. It restricted the size of the German army to 100,000 troops, prohibited conscription, and banned the possession of tanks, submarines, and an air force.
    • However, starting in 1933 when Adolf Hitler came to power, Germany openly defied these restrictions. By 1935, Germany reintroduced conscription and began to rebuild its military forces beyond the limits set by the treaty. They developed new weapons, tanks, and aircraft.

  2. Occupation of the Rhineland:

    • The Rhineland was a demilitarized zone as per the Treaty of Versailles and the subsequent Locarno Treaties. It was meant to be a buffer zone between Germany and France, with no German military forces allowed there.
    • In March 1936, Hitler ordered the German military to reoccupy the Rhineland. This was a direct violation of the treaty and marked a significant step in Hitler's aggressive expansion policies.

  3. Annexation of Austria (Anschluss):

    • The Treaty of Versailles explicitly prohibited the unification of Austria and Germany, known as Anschluss.
    • Nevertheless, in March 1938, Germany annexed Austria in a largely unopposed move, which was another violation of the treaty.

  4. Seizure of the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia:

    • Although not directly stipulated in the Treaty of Versailles, Germany's aggressive expansion into the Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia) in 1938, and later the occupation of the entire country in 1939, was against the spirit of the treaty aiming for peace in Europe.

  5. Poland Invasion:

    • The Treaty of Versailles created a new Polish corridor, giving Poland access to the sea. Hitler's invasion of Poland in September 1939 was not only a violation of various international agreements but also sparked the beginning of World War II.

These actions reflected Hitler's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles, which he viewed as unjust and oppressive. The failure of other European powers to effectively respond to these violations also emboldened Germany in its further expansionist policies.

Other Questions