Treaty of Versailles

[Anarchist420]

Do you think that it was too strong (it planted seeds of anger in Germany and lead to Hitler's rise to power) or too weak?

I just read that the version actually signed was what the British wanted while the French proposals would've divided Germany into 300 or so States (as of which obviously would've made Nazi Germany impossible).

What do you think?

 

[Caravaggio]

I believe that most historians, certainly here in the UK, have taken the view that the treaty of Versailles was too punitive to the Germans.
So punitive that legitimate German outrage at the humiliations imposed by the treaty (loss of territory, enforced financial compensation) actually created a perfect environment for the rise of Hitler.

 

[Exterous]

I believe that most historians, certainly here in the UK, have taken the view that the treaty of Versailles was too punitive to the Germans.
So punitive that legitimate German outrage at the humiliations imposed by the treaty (loss of territory, enforced financial compensation) actually created a perfect environment for the rise of Hitler.

Agreed - not only was it humiliating to their pride but the economic payments were far more than Germany could pay making it a certainty that the Germans would face rough economic times with a very visible group of people to blame for their hardships. They attempted a different route of government (Wiesmar Republic) but the economic burdens of the treaty ensured that government had zero chance of success, especially after the French occupied the Ruhr to ensure reparations were made (Social problems also played a part in the downfall). There were a couple of prominent military and government leaders that recognized this would only serve to ignite another war down the road but their names escape me at the moment

 

[dennilfloss]

People have to remember that so much of the devastating fighting occurred on French and Belgian land, with towns, villages and the very landscape literally obliterated. On the other hand, the German countryside and economic infrastructure was much less affected. That is the main reason for the reparations from the French point of view. The human toll, however, was much more evenly distributed (about one third of a generation killed or maimed on both sides).

Although they could have been spread thinner over a longer time indeed to make them more manageable.

 

[MovingTarget]

The Treaty of Versailles is one of the major causes of the "Stab in the Back" myth that persisted during the days of the Weimar Republic, which included Hitler's rise to power. The allies should never have imposed such harsh terms.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

People have to remember that so much of the devastating fighting occurred on French and Belgian land, with towns, villages and the very landscape literally obliterated. On the other hand, the German countryside and economic infrastructure was much less affected. That is the main reason for the reparations from the French point of view. The human toll, however, was much more evenly distributed (about one third of a generation killed or maimed on both sides).

Although they could have been spread thinner over a longer time indeed to make them more manageable.

The Treaty was an act of vengence. If France had had its way they would have wiped out the German people. The UK and the US prevented that but it remained an instrument for a pound of flesh.

If not for the treaty there would have been no WW2 and no Hitler in power.

 

[Caravaggio]

The Treaty was an act of vengence.

Just so. Alas, each side can can find a point in history on which to hang its moral indignation. A fulcrum for their vengeance.
The French were themselves greatly shocked and humiliated by their sudden defeat in the Franco-Prussian war. It was brief but extremely brutal, a truly 'modern' war.
Imagine!, German troops occupying Paris in the 1870's.
The French also probably blamed the Germans for Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo 55 years before. History tells us that Wellington won the day but German forces were decisive in his victory.

These old wounds tend to have thin scabs. Nations never forget where the hatchets are buried.
I'm trying to think of other nations that have a similar dynamic. How about Poland and Ukraine?
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(Hyabusa eh? Easy way to get a ticket on one of those)

 

[justoh]

This thread reminded me of blackadder goes forth where dr house tries to level the hypocritical charge of imperialism against germany in ww1.

Lieutenant George: The war started because of the vile Hun and his villainous empire- building.
Captain Blackadder: George, the British Empire at present covers a quarter of the globe, while the German Empire consists of a small sausage factory in Tanganiki. I hardly think that we can be entirely absolved of blame on the imperialistic front.

Thereafter, required to accept 100% responsibility for the war, disarm, as well as pay 500 billion in today's money in reparations. And then the depression. Easy to understand why they'd be pissed and amenable to the idea of another war.