Unraveling the Impact: How the Treaty of Versailles Led to World War II

Unraveling the Impact: How the Treaty of Versailles Led to World War II

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the major world powers involved in the Treaty of Versailles and explain its impact on the outbreak of World War II.

What do you already know about the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on history?

Introduction to the Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I and imposed severe penalties on Germany.

Major World Powers Involved

The major world powers involved in shaping the Treaty of Versailles were the United States, Great Britain, France, and Italy.

Impact on Germany

Germany was severely punished by the Treaty of Versailles, being forced to accept full responsibility for the war and pay heavy reparations.

Unfair Treatment of Countries

Many countries felt slighted by the treaty, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, as their territorial and economic aspirations were not fully addressed.

Cause and Effect Relationships

The harsh terms of the treaty led to economic instability and resentment in Germany, laying the groundwork for the rise of extremist ideologies and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.

Article Writing Task

Students will write an article presenting their position on the impact of the Treaty of Versailles and its role in causing World War II, using evidence from reputable sources.

Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, the Treaty of Versailles significantly contributed to the geopolitical tensions that led to the outbreak of World War II.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.