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Treaty of Versailles
The treaty of Versailles was the countries of the world blaming Germany for the war and making them pay 30 billion dollars in war damages. This treaty demoralized the German people and started the depression in Germany. If this treaty was not as punitive perhaps would not have elected a power hungry dictator to lead them, and the war and holocaust might have been averted. -
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Road to World War Two
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Germany"s economic depression-hyperinflation
The peak of Hyper inflation in Germany happened in December of 1923- 4.2 trillion marks were worth just one U.S. dollar. This depression made the average Germans life very difficult, they barely had enough money to buy bread. This unfortunate situation made it possible for Hitler to get elected. He made large promise to fix Germany and bring back prosperity to the German people. The people believed him and a dictator was given absolute control. -
Hitler's rise to power
The Nazi party won 43.9% of the national election vote and were the largest party in the Reichstag. Hitler as its leader took power and this was the start of his reign of terror. Without this national election win Hitler would have never been able to take power and start World War two. Sadly he won with the support of 17 277 180 Germans, with their help Hitler now had the power to do what he wanted. -
Remilitarization of the Rhineland
Remilitarization of the Rhineland was a huge factor leading up to World War two. Hitler was testing to see if he could go against the treaty of Versailles. It was a huge gamble for Hitler who himself said "If France had then marched into the Rhineland, we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs." If France only attempted to stop him, the war could have been avoided due to the fact that Hitler would have been less comfortable invading land that he thought was Germany’s. -
Nazi-Soviet pact
Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union made a non-aggressive pact which basically meant they were not going to attack each other. Hitler wanted to avoid a war on two fronts and the Soviets would surly attack him if he were to start invading other countries like he planned. This pact made it easier for him to invaded Poland (which was the spark of the war). Therefore the non-aggressive pact was a stepping stone to World War two as it gave Hitler more room to do as he pleased. -
Invaision of Poland
This was the final straw for the allies; they were not going to let this invasion go like the others. Hitler thought he could do what he wanted because all the countries were appeasing his attacks on other countries. Once Hitler invaded Poland he was given an ultimatum either leave or go to war. He stayed, and the allies declared war on Germany. Within a week a full scale World War was in full flight. If Hitler was smart and left Poland the war could have been avoided.
