Treaty of Versailles Causes World War Two

Yet not all the powers entered the First World War because of the Alliance System. Britain declared war on Germany because William II insisted on invading France via繞經 Belgium. Not only the Belgian neutrality but the British national security was threatened. Italy did not help Germany in 1914 because she had already reached secret agreements with France in 1900-02. To sum up, the Alliance System complicated the international relations of Europe and added fire to the outbreak of the First World War.

In WW1, the terrorist attack of a Serbian nationalist caused the ignition of flames that were set across Europe. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary led to the July Crisis. A crisis in which, Austria sent an Ultimatum to Serbia, with requirement to be followed. Serbia accepted most but not all of Austria’s demands. Serbia’s decline of the Ultimatum led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on the Serbs.

The people of Austria-Hungary were upset with the Siberian people after the assassination of Francis Ferdinand. Although Austria could not prove Siberia planned the assassination of Francis Ferdinand, they publically accused the Siberian government for his death. According to the Author of The Causes of World War I: A Narrative, The Austrian government knew they could depend on Germany if they were to ever to go to war, so in the weeks that followed the assassination, Austria, allied with Germany, and insisted on punishing Serbia. The Austrian government failed at an attempt to peacefully resolve their dispute by sending Serbia an ultimatum, but Siberia was not willing to meet all of their demands. The feud between Siberia and Austria-Hungary would change the way foreign countries settled disputes forever.

Wilson attempted to create the League of Nations and have a somewhat peaceful resolution to the war, but Britain and France were set on punishing Germany. The United States never did sign the treaty. This punishment of Germany rather than peace was a huge factor in why World War II happened, only thirty years after this “peace” treaty. World War I dominated the years of 1914-1919. The world was inching for a war, and a war was what they got.

Politically, Germany was humiliated and greatly weakened in their say. To decide whether the treaty was unfair and simply based on revenge, one must consider whether or not Germany was souly to blame for the war. If the answer is 'Yes', then it is made far easier to justify a harsh treaty. Germany had been responsible for a great loss of allied life, and also a huge loss in resources. Germany had settled two harsh treaties against France, including one after the Franco-Prussian war; this may make a harsh treaty more justifiable.

This plan failed and in nineteen- thirty nine Stalin signed the Nazi-Soviet pact with Hitler. This move increased anti-Soviet hostility in the west, however delayed the onset of war between Russia and the United States. The war between Germany and France did not last long. The Nazi defeated France quickly, enabling Germany to invade the Soviet Union. When Germany invaded Russia it united the Soviets with Western Europe.

The heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne was killed by a Serbian nationalist and so a list of demands was sent to Serbia from Austria-Hungary. The demands were agreed upon by the Serbs, nevertheless war was declared by the Austria-Hungary shortly thereafter (1). This War was fought mostly based on alliances. Russia was Allies with Serbia ans therefore joined the War. Germany had a treaty with Austria-Hungary, and France had a treaty with Russia so they joined the fighting.

"Our motive will not be revenge or the victorious assertion of the physical might of the nation, but only the vindication of right, of human right, of which we are only a single champion" (Woodrow Wilson). The First World War was one of the most destructive and deadliest wars of all time. Several countries participated in the war including France, Germany, Great Britain, and Russia. When these major European nations went to war in 1914, the majority of Americans wanted nothing to do with the raging war. On April 2, 1917, Woodrow Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war to make the world “safe for democracy.” However, there is still heated and debated argument going on: Could America’s involvement in Word War One been avoided by President Wilson?

Serbia was given 48 hours to accept the ultimatum, declining it would mean war. After talking with Russia Serbia declined the ultimatum and Austria declared war on Serbia. In conclusion, the complex alliances caused the small troubles in the Balkans to turn into a World War. Austria gained support from Germany whilst Serbia gained support from Russia and France, and Britain only came into the war when Germany invaded Belgium, while in the Schlieffen, trying to get to France. So you can see how a few gun shots led to the largest and bloodiest war ever!

The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918 which officially ended the war until a peace treaty could be agreed to and signed. The peace treaty was signed by Germany on June 28, 1919 in the palace of Versailles. This peace treaty known as the Treaty of Versailles dealt exclusively with defeated Germany. When Germany signed the treaty, their army had been ruined the government was collapsing and the people were exhausted. The four powers were all greatly affected by this war and therefore vengeful intentions were at mind while creating the treaty.