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How far did the Treaty of Versailles ensure problems would occur in the…
How far did the Treaty of Versailles ensure problems would occur in the future?
Germany's independence
Treaty could only function with co operation of German Government
All terms required some form of German arrangement to take place
Disarmament takes place with the arrangements of the German Government, only overseen by an allied control committee
Ultimately, the Allies failed to maintain any form of control over Germany, rather they let her carry out the terms by herself
This meant Germany only had to shake off or escape the Treaty, and was not, in fact, crushed by it.
Reparations were to be paid
But Germany oversaw and collected the money and payments, they controlled how it happened
Germany was forced to sign the Treaty, but not out of complete military defeat
Naval blockade
Weakness of German Army
exhaustion of people
These reasons, however, are somewhat imperceptible to the soldiers and people of Germany
The Germans had not been comprehensively defeated on the battefield, and this left the people open to persuasion of a political "stab in the back"
Because of this, many Germans refused to accept they had lost, and placed blame upon politicians, Bolsheviks, Jews, and other groups they were prejudiced towards
This left many Germans perceptible to Hitlers arguments placing the blame elsewhere in order to ensure his Nazi ideals
Indeed, the fact that Germany was forced to sign the treaty without any say created resentment within the German people
German problem
Germany was not occupied by foreign troops after defeat, nor was she comprehensively defeated on the warfront
As stated by AJP Taylor, the "german problem" was left unsolved
Germany, albeit temporarily weakened, was still the greatest power in Europe
Especially with the disappearance of Russia
After a few years, they would recover to their strength
This time, they would be motivated out of revenge and resentment towards the allies
Were the terms carried out?
League of Nations
Was carried out although USA nd Russia did not join, and it disintegrated in 1946
Land and borders
All land required of Germany was handed over
German Army reduced too 100,000 men
Did happen on paper, however German soldiers were signed for a short time then put in the reserves
Germany never had more than 100,000 active soldiers, but they had substantial reserves
German Navy and Air force reduced or banned
Did happen as Germany could not afford battleships after the war, however submariners and pilots were trained abroad or using gliders so as to not break terms of treaty
Western Germany was Demilitarised