Question

How did the Treaty of Versailles lead to the rise of dictatorship?

Answer 1

Italy joined the Allies in World War I, hoping to gain territories from Turkey and Germany. However, under the Treaty of Versailles, Italy only received Southern Tyrol, Trentino, and parts of the Dalmatian coast. It did not receive any colonies from the German or Turkish empires, leading to dissatisfaction.

Germany, on the other hand, was humiliated by the treaty. It lost significant territory, had its overseas colonies divided among the Allies, and was forced to pay heavy reparations of 33 billion dollars. Additionally, Germany’s army was limited to 100,000 soldiers. The Weimar Republic, the Germans' own government, had betrayed them in their anger at the treaty's harsh terms. Hitler exploited these grievances, using them to fuel nationalism and build support for his dictatorship. Thus, the Treaty of Versailles contributed to the rise of authoritarian regimes in both Italy and Germany.