Cause+of+Outbreak+of+WWI

Thesis:  The failure of the sustenance of peace in the resolution of WWI, specifically the failure of the Versailles Treaty, is directly responsible for the outbreak of WWII in 1939.
 * 1) Led to the Failure of Weimar Germany and the Rise of Hitler. The aims of the Allied powers after WWI was to demilitarize and decolonize Germany in order to decrease its power and prevent its future uprise. Failed, cause Germany resentment of the Allies and the failure of the Weimar Republic, which led to the rise of Hitler and the start of WWII. By the terms of the treaty of Versailles:
 * 2) Germany Armed forces limited. 100,000 men, only 6 battleships over 10000 tons in navy, no submarines or military air craft all "in order to render possible the initiations of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations" (never took place)
 * 3) Weakened Germany, caused resentment towards German government and European nations.
 * 4) Danzig, largely German but surrounded by Polish areas, posed a problem, so held under the control of the League of Nations.(also Memel). Germany lost 2 million subjects and many minerals as well as having East Prussia separated by a part of Poland (the Poland Corridor)
 * 5) France received Alsace and Lorraine, along with 2 million people and 3/4 Germany's iron resources. Germany gave up Eupen, Moresnet, and Malmedy to Belgium and northern Schleswig to Denmark
 * 6) Germany's colonies confiscated and Mandated.
 * 7) Germany had to give up land to newly independent Poland, created also from Russia and Austria-Hungary. Poland promised access to the sea (Point13), this made it difficult to draw a boundary since the population of the area was mixes (Danzig in north to Silesia in South). West Prussia and Posen also given to Poland, repudiating the right of self-determination to Germans. Some areas held Plebiscites to decide whether to go to Germany or Poland.
 * 8) The Goals of the allies at the Signing of the Versailles Treaty relating to Germany.
 * 9) France
 * 10) Reduction of German power by the creation of a protective Rhineland Republic
 * 11) The creation of a new political structure in Germany
 * 12) Britain
 * 13) Taking over German colonies
 * 14) Lloyd George spoke of the need for Germany to return to previously occupied areas.
 * 15) America
 * 16) Wilson's 14 points
 * 17) Disarmament of nations. Forced disarmament of germany
 * 18) Germany when rearmed, fought back.
 * 19) "a general association of nations to be formed to afford mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike." - The League of Nations
 * 20) Failure of the League
 * 21) America did not join. No back bone
 * 22) Had theoretical power, nations not willing to give up own military for it.
 * 23) Did not control major issues, became a joke to nations
 * 24) Manchuria Incidint
 * 25) Invasion of Abyssinia
 * 26) Because failed, led to policy of appeasement, b/c nations did not want to face Germany.
 * 27) Germany Expansion -> gains power.