"World War II occurred as a direct result of the unreasonable conditions imposed on Germany after World War I"

Using examples, evaluate this statement.

World War II
Began in September 1939, when Britain and France
declared war on Germany, after Hitler invaded Poland.

Direct result
Because of

 Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Unreasonable conditions

War guilt - had to accept blame for the war. Reparations - 6600 000 000 pounds. Limits to army and navy, no Air Force. Not allowed to unite with Austria. Not a member of League of Nations. Loss of territory - on frontiers and all colonies.

Imposed

Forced upon them, they had no choice

Germany, after World War I

WWI ended in 1918, Germany forced to sign the
armistice.

Hitler appointed as Chancellor in 1933, became

dictator 1934.

Essay Plan

Introduction - answer the question in the first sentence and outline the points you will mention in your essay. (1 sentence on each of the paragraphs you will write) Use key words from the question in topic and concluding sentences for each paragraph.

Paragraph 1 - Unreasonable conditions on Germany - Treaty of Versailles.

Paragraph 2 - Rise of Fascism - Hitler's actions led to outbreak of WWII

Paragraph 3 - League of Nations

Paragraph 4 - Policy of Appeasement

Paragraph 5 - Fear of Communism

Conclusion - sum up all the points you have just made and restate your line of argument (answer the question)

Paragraph 1 - Unreasonable Conditions

Unreasonable Conditions imposed upon Germany. Terms of the Treaty of Versailles. P 92 and 93 of text.

Paragraph 2- Rise of Fascism

Mussolini in Italy
Hitler in Germany - link to unreasonable conditions
of Treaty of Versailles. It was Hitler's invasion on Poland which directly led to the outbreak of WWII.

Impact of the treaty and the Depression on their rise

P 120-121 text

Paragraph 3 - The League of Nations

Germany not a member until 1926. This could be
called another unreasonable condition.

No army.

No real power - only able to use economic sanctions.

Most powerful country not a member - USA.

P 95 of text

Paragraph 4 - Policy of Appeasement

Appeasement means giving in to someone provided their demands are seen as reasonable. Many thought: The Treaty of Versailles had placed restrictions on Germany that were unfair. Hitler's actions were seen as understandable and justifiable. British policy. Everyone wanted to avoid another war. P 128 of text.

Paragraph 5: Fear of Communism

Major powers saw Hitler as a lesser evil than Communism.

Russian Revolution in 1917 - first Communist dictatorship.

Stalin became leader in 1929.

Stalin and Hitler signed a Non-Aggression pact in 1939:

bought Stalin time to prepare for a war and Hitler could avoid a war on two fronts.

P 102-103 of text