1. Introduction to WWII
Germany: A Case Study,

2. 1. Treaty of Versailles
American President Woodrow Wilson wanted the defeated countries to be treated with honour and justice

3. 1. Treaty of Versailles
Other major leaders, Br. PM Lloyd George, Fr Premier Georges Clemenceau wanted to avoid another war, however, wanted Germany to pay for the damages done and the lives lost.
They wanted to ensure that Germany would remain weak militarily so they could never wage war

4. 1. Treaty of Versailles GERMANS Germans felt humiliated
Resented the loss of their colonies, territories, and reparation payments unjust.
On the morning of the signing of the Treaty, German newspapers called for vengeance – Deutsche Zeitung
See page 214 for highlights of Treaty of Versailles

5. 2. Economic Problems: Inflation
Had borrowed large sums to finance war
Had to pay reparations
Began printing money
Industries and businesses were not expanding
Severe inflation results and prices for goods and services rose astronomically. See page 214 for examples of inflation
Who would suffer most from inflation? Why?

6. 3. Depression and Unemployment
Once Germany started getting their economy under control, the US experiences a stock market crash!
The crash leads to a worldwide depression – including Germany.
Germans lost jobs, had declining wages, more than 6 million unemployed!
People deliberately getting arrested and going to prison.

7. Hitler and the Nazi party,
“Believe me, our misery will increase! The government itself is the biggest swindler and crook. People are starving on millions of marks! We will no longer submit! We want a dictatorship.”

8. 4. Political Instability
Germany had a weak political system after WWI
More than 12 political parties – meaning no one strong enough to rebuild a war-torn country
3 groups of parties: Communists, Social Democrats, and National Socialists (Nazis)

9. 4. Political Instability
As conditions in Germany worsened, Germans were willing to listen to the extremist voices of the Nazi party because believed:
Governments should be run by the army and wealthy
Industry should be privately owned
The power of the military should be increased
Democratic government should be out-lawed
Activities of Jews and foreigners should be severely restricted (because they were the two groups responsible for Germany’s economic problems)

10. The End 