The Treaty of Versailles and its aftermath led to World War II through a combination of factors including appeasement, the failure of the League of Nations, and the rise of fascist ideologies. The harsh terms imposed on Germany created resentment and instability that Hitler exploited. Britain's policy of appeasement and the League's inability to prevent aggression emboldened Nazi Germany's territorial expansion.
• The 1919 peace settlement sowed seeds of future conflict
• British appeasement policy encouraged Hitler's aggression
• Weaknesses of the League of Nations left it unable to maintain peace
• Fascist ideologies in Germany and Italy drove expansionist ambitions
• Hitler systematically violated the Treaty of Versailles with little consequence