Oklahoma Academic Standard 4. The student will evaluate the global transformation created by the World Wars (1900-1945 CE). 

Objective 4.3  Analyze the immediate and long-term global consequences of the Treaty of Versailles.

In a Nutshell

This objective focuses on the analysis of the Treaty of Versailles and its devastating impact on Germany socially, politically, and economically. Students should understand that in the broader sense, the Treaty of Versailles became a precursor of the rise of Hitler and WWII.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students in gathering, organizing, and analyzing various kinds of primary and secondary source evidence on the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles, evaluating the credibility of sources. 

• Provide opportunities to analyze complex and interacting factors that influenced multiple perspectives during and after implementation of the Treaty of Versailles. 

• Develop a self-generated thesis or claim related to independent research on the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles using credible and relevant sources. 

• Evaluate how multiple, complex events are shaped by unique circumstances of time and place, as well as broader historical contexts. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Treaty of Versailles; German consequences

• French and British intentions

• connections to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party 

• Some students may not realize that although dictatorial when in office, Hitler gained popularity among the conquered German populace and was elected to office as opposed to assuming power through physical or violent means. 

Instructional Resources