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What were the first steps Hitler took to break the Treaty of Versailles?

a. Military alliances
b. Territorial expansion
c. Rearmament and remilitarization
d. Diplomatic negotiations

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Adolf Hitler's first steps to break the Treaty of Versailles included rearmament and remilitarization, introducing compulsory military service, creating a dominant air force, and violating the demilitarized zone provisions by military occupation of the Rhineland.

Step-by-step explanation:

First Steps by Hitler to Break the Treaty of Versailles

One of the first steps Adolf Hitler took to break the Treaty of Versailles was to embark on a program of rearmament and remilitarization. Hitler began refurnishing the German military as soon as he came to power. This commenced with withdrawing Germany from the League of Nations in October 1933, providing the nation with a free hand to rebuild its military without international oversight. In 1935, Hitler defied the Treaty by introducing compulsory military service and began expanding military capabilities including the creation of a dominant air force, the Luftwaffe. The construction of offensive weapons like submarines and tanks, which were banned under the Treaty, was also funded by the German government.

In 1936, Germany violated the Treaty's provisions regarding the demilitarized zone by placing troops near the border of France in the Rhineland. These steps clearly showcased Hitler's intention to break the Treaty of Versailles and were justified by him as essential to protect Germany against its more powerful neighbors.

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