It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.
- Frederick Douglass |
The 1919 Treaty of Versailles is often referred to as "the failed peace" because it did not officially end all of the violence and issues that were occurring when the war was going on. It did not fulfill its purpose and another world war began decades later. The treaty humiliated Germany and other Central Powers. This also had greater side effects on them. Such as forcing them to accept war guilt for initiating the war. Germany was also forced to pay reparations to allies, give up territory, and were demanded to deliver free natural resources such as coal to Belgium and France each year. In addition, they were forced to cede land to colonies in Africa, The Pacific, Asia, France, and Poland. This hurt Germany with costly reparations, criticism, loss of land, military-size reduction, humiliation, and instability. Soon after, the assembly of the League of Nations took place. The League of Nation's purpose was intended to settle conflicts or debates between countries without the military getting involved. Although, the treaty failed to establish long-term peace because most nations did not agree with the terms. The treaty made physical fighting stop momentarily but cause political issues in the long run that were later blamed for causing the next world war. It did not help the nation to put all the blame on one country and expect other nations to move forward entirely. Instead, Germany was weakened and another world war occurred decades later. Germany was also very frustrated and it contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler in power. That later lead to the organization and movements of violent socialist parties.
2. Three characteristics of Fascism include oppressive, dictatorial, and genocidal. Fascism is a strict government that is composed of a multi-structured set of ideas and practices. Fascism is dictatorial because it requires a main person or source to hold total power or control. Another reason is that the structure is based on the combination of military, government, and citizens combined. The values of the oppressor and nation are used to make decisions based on the popular will. Fascism is oppressive because it involves unjustified treatment and much control. People do not have the equal opportunity to make their own decisions. The nation's interests are more valued than the civilians and it requires complete subservience. The civilians are also are taught to advocate for the nation's interests and its political independence over their own. Their individual beliefs and freedom are suppressed, and they're abused by the power of authority. Fascism is genocidal because it leads to immense violence, conflict, opposition, and war. For example, The invasion of Ethiopia took place and deadly weapons were used on the civilians. But, the Fascist leader said it was a noble act to bring modernization. The people destroying territory and killing people were taught to believe what they were doing was justified for their Nation. The ideas values and practices put in place lead to colonies being destroyed, violence, use of weapons, and death. It is possible for fascist governments to rise in Europe between wars because it was the main principle of government. Therefore, the person who was mainly in control still possessed their power. Tenets were spread to strengthen the military and it empowered fascist imperialism. It is a self-empowering ideology that remains strict. Opposition or disagreement results in violence, war, or even death. After World War 1, it was easy for fascism to remain throughout Europe because people desire unity and leadership. After The Treaty Of Versailles was signed people were still discontent with the agreement. Therefore, the opportunity of unity and shared values appealed to people and the practices continued. Especially with the use of propaganda and national promise.
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AuthorMy name is Alexandra Ross and I will be posting all of my assignments on this page. Please feel free to comment and ask questions! Archives
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