Revision: Nazism and the Treaty of Versailles

475 Words2 Pages
How did the Nazi's exploit and challenge the Treaty of Versailles? ------------------------------------------------- Economic Situation * The Treaty of Versailles put massive economic strain on Germany. (NOTE! This treaty was designed to punish Germany anyway) * Basically things were going well due to Gustav Stresemann (he changed the currency to Retenmark) and the Dawes plans. * Then the wall street crash happened * It meant to an extent that Weimar was never able to become economically strong (Hyperinflation, the Depression (Wall Street Crash, October 1928), Trade deficit (in the balance of payments) etc...) * Thus people began to lose faith in the Weimar system of democracy and this precipitated a polarisation of the political spectrum ------------------------------------------------- Diktat * Germany had no say in the content of the Treaty - Hence it was a 'Diktat' (Dictated) * Germany was given two options: sign the Treaty or another war will start * No shape to fight * Forced to accept responsibility for the war through Article 231 (war guilt clause) and was thus responsible for paying reparations. * Deeply unpopular - Hitler used this sentiment/feeling to rally support for his party ------------------------------------------------- The 'Stab In the Back' Theory * Propaganda against those who signed the Treaty or 'November Criminals' * Hitler repeatedly expressed opinion that the Marxists and the Jews were responsible for the treaty. * Used to justify persecution of these groups. * Treaty made Germany weak, defenseless (military restrictions) and it was humiliating (especially taking the blame for the war through Article 231 and reparations payments) for the Germans because it crushed their pride and honour, a lot of Germans wanted revenge. * Destroyed Germany – economically, militarily and
Open Document