Final answer:
The Treaty of Versailles led to World War II by imposing punitive measures on Germany, which caused economic hardship and national resentment. These factors contributed to the rise of the Nazis, who then violated the treaty's military and territorial terms, unchecked by the ineffective League of Nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the Treaty of Versailles Contributed to World War II
The unresolved issues of the Treaty of Versailles significantly contributed to the beginning of World War II in 1939. The treaty harshly penalized Germany, demanding reparations and territorial concessions, and enforced the 'war guilt clause', which placed sole blame for the conflict on Germany. These terms fostered deep resentment and economic distress in Germany, facilitating the rise of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist (Nazi) Party, who capitalized on national grievances to seize power.
By the 1930s, the Nazis had begun to defy the treaty's stipulations, such as the limitations on military rearmament and territorial expansion. This defiance was met with little resistance from other European powers, partially because of the prevailing economic crises and a general sentiment of appeasement. Furthermore, the treaty failed to establish a lasting framework for European stability and peace, as the League of Nations lacked the authority and support to enforce its decisions effectively.
The economic hardships in Germany, including inflation and unemployment, exacerbated by the reparations, increased public discontent. This situation, coupled with the political turmoil and subsequent totalitarian regimes emerging across Europe, set the scene for a second great conflict. The failure of the Treaty of Versailles to address the root causes of World War I and its punitive measures against Germany ultimately undermined the fragile post-war peace and paved the way for World War II.