Treaty of Versailles 1

Ways the Treaty of Versailles Led Growth of Nationalism in Germany

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After the devastating effects of World War I, the triumphant powers imposed a sequence

of treaties upon the powers that had been defeated. Among these treaties was the Treaty of

Versailles, which was signed in June 1919. The treaty held Germany accountable for the war and

it became liable for the massive destruction that occurred during this period. Following the

signing of the treaty, the war between Allied Powers and Germany officially came to an end, and

this also marked the end of World War I. More so, the successful signing of the treaty is largely

attributed to President Wilson’s 14 points speech. The points elaborated his plans for promoting

international relations. Wilson called for the end of the World War, global disarmament, the

establishment of international peace, and open diplomacy, factors that lead to the growth of

nationalism in Germany.

The treaty of Versailles forced Germany to give up part of its territory to Poland,

Czechoslovakia, and Belgium. It was also forced to return Lorraine and Alsace to France and

surrender all overseas colonies in Africa, the Pacific, and China to the Allied Nation. In addition

to this, the country had to accept demilitarization and drastically decrease its armed forces.

Further, article 231 placed all blame on Germany and obliged it to pay huge amounts of cash to

the Allied Nations. This angered Germany which at the time felt that it was being denied the

right to govern itself without interference from outside sources. Germany focused on regaining

its lost glory and maintaining its sovereignty. This struggle enabled the nation to achieve

nationalism years later.

Hitler is seen as one of the people that helped Germany gain nationalism. He was upset

when the nation surrendered in November and strongly believed that the Jewish politicians were

involved. Besides, most German citizens hated the Treaty of Versailles and viewed the day the

treaty was signed as a dark day for the state. Hitler’s aim, therefore, was to make Germany great.
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He suggested that the treaty had to be abolished since to a greater extent it was against Germany.

Hitler felt the country would only regain its greatness if the treaty was put to an end. He began

by declaring he would liberate Germany and its citizens of the treaty, which he believed was

dictated. Hitler’s campaigns against the treaty paved the way for the Second World War. By

1939, Hitler had abolished the treaty, and this also saw the onset of World War II.

Moreover, the impact of Wilson’s Fourteen Points, especially self-determination, shaped

German’s quest to fight for self-governance. This, in turn, led to the growth of nationalism in

Germany. Notably, the country used the concept of self-determination to demand its

independence since it felt the treaty was overstepping on its freedom. The points also set new

standards of national identity. The country’s desire and that of its people to have a sense of

belonging after the treaty was signed developed Germany into the nationalistic state it is today.

Another point that led to the rise of nationalism in German was free trade and freedom of the

seas. Wilson suggested that this had to be promoted. Nevertheless, since all fingers pointed to

Germany, not many nations were willing to partner with it. This further angered Germany, which

set out to make itself a world power, contributing to the growth of its nationalism.