Final answer:
Adolf Hitler overthrew Article 42 of the Treaty of Versailles by remilitarizing the Rhineland in 1936, representing a significant turning point leading to World War II. This open and deliberate violation of the treaty, coupled with a lack of significant opposition, paved the way for Hitler's subsequent aggressive actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Article 42 of the Treaty of Versailles restricted Germany from militarizing the Rhineland, an area near its border with France. This article was fundamentally violated when Adolf Hitler, seeking to restore Germany's national power and dignity, re-militarized the Rhineland in 1936 despite the provisions of the treaty. This move demonstrated complete defiance of the Versailles Treaty and marked a significant turning point in events leading up to World War II.
Hitler had steadily begun rebuilding Germany's military power after taking office. His actions included secretly funding the construction of offensive weapons which were prohibited by the treaty, such as submarines and tanks. However, the move into the Rhineland was a deliberate and open violation of the treaty. France and Great Britain raised verbal protests but did not take substantial actions against Germany's violation, which further empowered Hitler's regime.
Essentially, the remilitarization of the Rhineland not only defied the Treaty of Versailles but also set a precedent for future aggressive actions that would lead the world into the Second World War. The lack of significant reaction from Britain and France sent a message to Hitler that his violations of the treaty could continue without serious consequences.
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