History of Europe Form 1914 to 1945 Essay Example

the war, Germany was required to pay reparations, face restrictions on their military and undergo territorial adjustments under the Treaty of Versailles. Unfortunately, these outcomes paved way for World War II and Hitler's fascism.

Germany's situation underwent a significant change after World War I. Rather than enduring prolonged famine and an inability to support its citizens, the country experienced a severe economic crisis during the 1920s, which was exacerbated by the Great Depression. As a result, unemployment reached unbearable levels, and prices continued to rise steadily. This is evident in a statement made by the United States: "One U.S."

The cost of a loaf of bread with six days’ wages was affected by the dollar’s exchange rate, which was equivalent to 4,200,000,000,000 reichsmarks. Due to these events, people concluded that democracy, as represented by the Weimar republic, had not provided any benefits. Instead, they desired a powerful leader to revive Germany and restore their sense of national identity. The individual who could pledge to deliver economic stability would win the hearts and spirits of the nation.

Hitler presented Germany as a superior nation, resonating with those fearful of communism and democracy. The appeal of ending their suffering paved the way for Hitler's rise and the emergence of fascism in Europe. Disenchanted World War I veterans struggling to adapt to civilian life were ideal recruits for fascism due to unemployment and poverty. Leaders like Mussolini used propaganda and nationalist rallies to manipulate people into committing brutal acts in blind devotion.

German fascism was founded on anti-Semitism and the desire for territorial expansion in order to establish a superior race. The pursuit of Lebensraum, or living space, was a key motivator

behind Germany's aggressive territorial ambitions which triggered World War II. Initially, France and Britain sought appeasement to prevent another war. However, Hitler's first actions towards achieving his Lebensraum plan included violating the Treaty of Versailles, re-occupying Rhineland, and acquiring Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland.

Hitler aimed to reduce the population of conquered territories and substitute the current inhabitants with a superior Germanic race. His primary objective was to eradicate Jewish and Slavic individuals by transporting them to concentration camps and exploiting other occupied nations for labor. Consequently, numerous Jews and Slavs were either worked to death or exterminated in gas chambers during the Holocaust. Hitler's conquests comprised Poland, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, France, Britain, and Russia; nevertheless, he suffered defeat in Stalingrad.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces began Operation Overlord to invade Nazi-occupied France. This event was a turning point in history and led to the collapse of the Third Reich. Six months later, Russian, British, and American forces launched an offensive that ended World War II. These events were caused by World War I and Hitler and resulted in millions of deaths while also affecting many nations for years to come. We must remember these brutal events as a reminder of how important it is to maintain peace, democracy, and human dignity at all times.