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Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was the peace agreement that was made after World War 1 ended. In the treaty,Germany was blamed for the war and subgected to many harsh conditions. Some of the conditions listed in the treaty were that German colonies were taken away and Germany's army was decreased to just one hundred thousand men. Additionally, Germany had to pay 30 billion dollars to cover the damages of the war. As a result of the treaty Germany was left humiliated and helpless. -
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Treaty Of Versailles
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Economic Depression in Germany
After the Treaty of Versailles was established, the thirty billion dollar debt was too much for the war ravaged country to handle. Desperate to pay off the huge debt, Germany printed too much money, thus causing the Reichsmark to become devalued. The money was worth practically nothing and many Germans became unemployed and were forced to live poorly. The once successful Germany was in a state of poverty and hardship -
Rise of Hitler
Germans were frustrated at the harsh conditions they were forced to suffer as a result of the Treaty of Versailles. Adolf Hitler promised the suffering people that he would bring Germany respect and make it the proud nation it had been before World War 1. Desperate Germans were only too glad to hear his promises and as a result Hitler gained the trust and support of many.He became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 and in a few months he gained total control over the country. -
Hitler Begins to Expand
Hitler began to fulfill his promise of bringing back pride to Germany by repossessing some of the land Germany had lost due to the Treaty of Versailles. He started by going against the treaty and taking Rhineland in March 1936. The allies wanted to keep peace with Germany and did nothing about Hitler's repossession of Rhineland. -
Deal at Munisch
After taking Rhineland, Hitler began to put pressure on Czechoslovakia as well. Britain and France decided to get involved and slow Hitler down a little. They made an agreement with Hitler that he could take the Sudetenland area where many Germans lived but leave the rest of Czechoslovakia untouched.
*The picture shows the French Prime Minister signing the agreement with Hitler at his side. -
Hitler takes over Czechoslovakia
After taking Sudetenland as he had previously agreed, Hitler still had his eyes on the rest of Czechoslavakia. As a result Adolf Hitler disregarded the deal he had signed at Munisch. He forcefully took the rest of Czechoslovakia on March 16th 1939 -
Hitler Invades Poland
After successfully taking both Rhineland and Czechoslovakia without the interference of the allies, Hitler decided to expand even further. Hitler invaded Poland on September 1st 1939. This was the last straw and Britain and France declared war on Germany a few days later.
