Question

Why do some historians argue that the treaty of versailles ended up leading to world war ii?

Answer 1

The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles put Germany in a situation that allowed the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, leading to World War II.

The Treaty of Versailles, which came out of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, was very punitive towards Germany.  Germany was forced to admit responsibility for causing the Great War (World War I).  We now call that "the war guilt" clause of the treaty.  Germany also was forced to pay large reparation payments to the Allies (who opposed Germany in the war).   The German economy and national pride were deeply wounded.  The Great Depression was worse in Germany than in America.  The bad situation in Germany made it possible for a radical leader like Hitler, making all sorts of bold promises, to win over enough people to rise to power.  Hitler promised a return to national greatness and fiercely rebuilt Germany as a military machine.