The failure of which treaty is often blamed for the rise of tensions leading to World War II?

• A. Treaty of Versailles
• B. Treaty of Paris
• C. Treaty of Ghent
• D. Treaty of Tordesillas

Answer: (A)

The Treaty of Versailles is often blamed for the rise of tensions leading to World War II due to its harsh terms imposed on Germany following World War I. Signed in 1919, the treaty aimed to hold Germany responsible for the war and included significant territorial losses, military restrictions, and reparations payments. These conditions created severe economic hardship and resentment among the German populace, fostering nationalistic fervor and political instability.

The treaty did not create a sustainable peace but instead contributed to the conditions that allowed extremist political movements, such as Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party, to gain traction in Germany. The resentment and humiliation felt by many Germans due to the treaty's terms played a crucial role in the Nazi rise to power, which ultimately led to the outbreak of World War II. The failure to effectively manage the consequences of the treaty and the inability of the League of Nations to address ongoing disputes further exacerbated international tensions, paving the way for the next global conflict.