The Treaty Of Versailles.

Question 1

Why did people dislike the Weimar Government?

Answer 1

The Weimar Government was associated with failure in World War One since it had signed the Treaty of Versailles that had ended the war. Many nationalists believed the government had sold Germany out to its enemies by ending the war too early.

The “November Criminals and the legend of the “Stab in the Back” were phrases used in many of Hitler’s speeches.

Ideas that the Treaty was signed by anti-patriotic left wing politicians (the November Criminals), and that these same politicians were responsible for the
‘stab in the back’ of the army that led military defeat in 1918, discredited the Weimar Government.

Question 2

What were the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 2

• Territory was taken from Germany in 1919, depriving it of valuable industrial and agricultural income.

• Article 231, the War Guilt Clause blamed Germany and her allies for starting the war - this led to feelings of humiliation and anger.

• Germany had to pay reparations of £6.6 billion - this ensured that the economy would not recover.

• Germany’s armed forces were greatly reduced.

Question 3

Name one of the Nazi Policies.

Answer 3

The Nazis’ aim to abolish the “unfair punishment” of the Treaty of Versailles was popular with many Germans.

Question 4

How did Nazis target people’s nationalism?

Answer 4

They promised to turn Germany into a major European power once again.