Andrew M. answered 05/21/20
Experienced Tutor and Teacher in History and Social Studies
There is no one reason why World War II happened, no matter how much we try and water it down. However, resentment of the Treaty of Versailles did play a role. Most importantly, it restricted Germany in many ways, damaged its economy greatly, and humiliated a once great power. These factors made Hitler very popular in the beginning as he renounced the treaty. Though he would not go so far as to break it, he certainly looked to defy in as far as he could without provoking France and Britain. He used Versailles as a means to rally support from those Germans who were suffering or felt humiliated. It gave him a legitimate basis to stand up the other powers in Europe. This, in turn, helped the Nazis gain power and to have the support of the people. The Nazis also used it as propaganda against France and Britain before and during the war.