From Versailles to World War

Understanding the Path from WWI to WWII Year 9 History The Treaty of Versailles and Its Consequences

Starter: Building Our Timeline

Look at the timeline from 1914-1939 Shout out any events you know from WWI and after We'll place them on our class timeline Think: What happened when WWI ended?

The End of the Great War

November 11, 1918 - Armistice signed Germany defeated but not destroyed Millions dead across Europe Empires collapsed: German, Austrian, Ottoman, Russian Europe in ruins - need for lasting peace

The Treaty of Versailles - June 28, 1919

German Reaction

'Germany, in her own opinion, had been enticed into a trap and deliberately deceived... The treaty was not a peace of justice, but a peace of violence.' - German delegation's response to the Treaty

Impact on Germany

{"left":"Economic crisis from reparations\nPolitical instability and weak government\nNational humiliation and resentment","right":"Loss of industrial areas\nUnemployment and poverty\nExtremist parties gain support"}

Perspectives on the Treaty

Group A: Read the Allied leaders' view Group B: Read German citizens' reactions Discuss in your group: What emotions and arguments do you find? Why might these views be so different? Prepare to share with the class

Connecting to WWII

How might the Treaty's harsh terms contribute to future conflict? What happens when people feel unfairly treated? How could economic hardship lead to political change? What role did national pride and resentment play?

The Road to World War II

1929: Wall Street Crash worsens German economy 1933: Hitler and Nazis come to power 1935-1939: Germany rebuilds military, breaks Treaty 1939: Germany invades Poland - WWII begins The 'peace to end all wars' had failed

Reflection: Learning Check

On your sticky note, write: 'The most important thing I learned today about the causes of World War II is...' Complete the sentence in one clear sentence Place it on our World War II Wall