Even though measures were put in place to avoid a Second World War, many factors made it inevitable. The Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Hitler, the rise of Japan as a world power, the rise of fascism in Italy, and the League of Nations were all factors that contributed to the cause of World War II. The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty. settlement between Germany and the Allied Powers that officially ended World War I. However, the terms of the treaty were so harsh on Germany that many believe the Treaty of Versailles was one of the main causes of the eventual rise of the Nazis in Germany and the eruption of the Nazi regime. of the Second World War. Part of the treaty commonly known as the "War Guilt Clause" required the German nation to accept full responsibility for the outbreak of World War I. Germany was responsible for all material damage, and the French Prime Minister, Georges Clemenceau, particularly insisted that Germany pay heavy sums. sums of money to compensate for all the damage caused. Clemenceau and the French were aware that Germany would probably not be able to pay such a huge debt, but they nevertheless feared a rapid recovery of Germany and the outbreak of a new war against France. To prevent this, the treaty also limited the German army to 100,000 men, the navy to ships under 100,000 tons, and prohibited Germany from having an air force. The terms of the Treaty of Versailles were so hostile to Germany that German Chancellor Philipp Scheidemann resigned rather than sign it. However, Germany realized that it had to sign it because it no longer had any military power to resist. The treaty left Germany weak enough to turn against the Allied powers, but they were strong enough to fight back if they broke the treaty, which eventually happened...... middle of paper .... .. 937. There were many reasons why World War II was inevitable. The Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Hitler, the rise of Japan as a world power, the rise of fascism in Italy, and the League of Nations all played key roles in sparking World War II. Although many measures were put in place to avoid a Second World War, it was inevitable, and there will undoubtedly be at least one more in the future. Works Cited Maureen Anderson et al 2012, Retroactive 10: Australia Curriculum for History, Jacaranda, Milton, Queensland pp48-56 Tony Taylor et al 2012, Oxford Big Ideas: Humanities 4, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne pp72-76 http://www .firstworldwar.com/source/versailles.htm http://history1900s.about.com /od/worldwari/p/Versailles-Treaty.htm http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/lessons/riseofhitler/ http:/ /www.historylearningsite.co.uk/leagueofnations.htm