Final answer:
The cartoonist's view on the Treaty of Versailles can be discerned through the analysis of visual elements and themes in the cartoon, which may either criticize the severe conditions imposed on Germany or reflect on the Treaty's ineffectiveness in preventing future conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand what the cartoonist thinks about the Treaty of Versailles, one needs to analyze the visual rhetoric and symbolism used within the cartoon. The sentiment towards the Treaty is often portrayed through caricature, satire, or visual metaphors in the cartoons. Since we cannot see the actual cartoon in question, we can infer that if the cartoon depicts the Treaty of Versailles as damaging or unjust, particularly towards Germany, the cartoonist might be critiquing the harsh penalties and territorial losses imposed on Germany, which contributed to economic hardship and national humiliation. Conversely, suppose the cartoon portrays the Treaty as weak or ineffective. In that case, the cartoonist might be commenting on how the Treaty failed to prevent future aggression, as evidenced by the rise of Hitler and the beginnings of World War II.
The Treaty of Versailles led to significant changes in the map of Europe, with Germany losing territory and being required to make crippling reparations payments. This, coupled with military restrictions, fueled anger and resentment among Germans. Over time, these conditions created a fertile ground for Hitler's rise to power, as he capitalized on German discontent by promising to overturn the Treaty and restore Germany's former glory.
The failures of the League of Nations and attempts at preserving peace in the 1920s and 1930s show the limitations of international efforts to enforce the Treaty's terms. The policy of appeasement, as adopted by Europe's leaders, is a testament to these failures, demonstrating an unwillingness to confront Hitler's infractions, which, in turn, enabled his aggressive policies and territorial expansions, ultimately setting the stage for World War II.