The Treaty of Versailles: A Captivating Guide to the Peace Treaty That Ended World War 1 and Its Impact on Germany and the Rise of Adolf Hitler (Captivating History) Paperback – May 12, 2020

Good summary of what lead to the Treaty of Versailles and of the unforeseen consequences. Failures of President Wilson also exposed. Seems like history is being repeated

Captivating History is known to release thorough historical studies in brief texts that leave readers wanting more. "The Treaty of Versailles" continues this tradition with pride. Some minor citation particulars aside, this book offers one of the best detailed overviews both of the Treaty of Versailles and its repercussions.From the introduction, this author argues that this agreement was unprecedented in that it sought to prevent all war worldwide rather than simply finding solutions to previous battles as had been done in the past. Even then, "that was just one of the hundreds of topics it addressed" (Loc 81-84). Moreover, the Treaty, which the Big Four signed in 1919, five years after the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, has garnered criticism since, yet we often fail to realize that certain conditions that could have prevented more conflict were unattainable back then. The victors "were working without the benefits of hindsight" (Loc 1257). Historical context is a key component in historical study, and Captivating History knows as much when confirming its position.Historical study requires evidence for confirmation. Captivating History supports its claim by delineating the state of affairs in the world from the Congress of Vienna of 1814-1815, which intended to preclude radicals from rising again throughout Europe after both the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars but failed as the Revolutions of 1848 began, to the buildup of the Second World War. Enclosed media (maps, images, and political cartoons, many of which contain proper credit attributions) enhance this reading experience by illustrating how the Treaty impacted various countries. Although there are neither footnotes nor endnotes, as are included in this author's other titles, a bibliography, most sources of which are scholarly, is provided at the end. This author also cites trending historiography on this topic, wherein modern historians have suggested that the Second World War was the same fight, except that its flames reignited twenty-one years after the armistice (Loc 1364-1367).Perhaps this book's best feature is its extensive global span. Rather than just mentioning how the Treaty affected given locations, Captivating History shares copious examples of each place, leading often to present-day connections. This approach is effective noticeably for lesser-known regions impacted by war, like South Africa and the and the Balkan Peninsula, where precise coverage is granted. We also see here each of the major power's respective rationale both for joining the First World War and for desiring certain outcomes with the Treaty, all of which establishes a complete circuit of this period.Overall, "The Treaty of Versailles" is a wonderful overview of this historic moment that encompasses dedicated research, chronological evidence, and visual media to present to readers a seminal survey of this perennial topic. We see the after-effects of the Treaty today, as Captivating History shows us. This book receives a four stars because it is lacking both footnotes/endnotes and consistent visual media credits, essential components of historical reading. With these additions, this work will become five stars.

We studied WWI and WWII last year. This book was a great review for us. The book explained "the Great War" and the consequences of what happens when world leaders think vengeance can bring peace. We felt the aftermath was thoroughly explained. We need more books to outline and illustrate the why and the how of history it would benefit many to understand the past. We were pleased with this book.

I have heard from scholars that the Treaty of Versailles was not a cause of WW2. After reading this book it is hard to agree with that assessment.

This book gives an in-depth study of the Treaty of Versailles, the participants, negotiators, temporal cultural climate and its future effects. The Treaty was intended to end ‘The War to End All Wars’ (aka WWI) which it nominally did. What it also set in motion was a period of festering emotion and actions that initiated World War II. This was the first time in history that so many Powers had come together to try to discuss so many issues. It was a very complicated endeavor with no precedent. It was highly unlikely a compromise could be achieved that was truly acceptable to all.The authors have done an excellent job of objectively summarizing the feelings and general beliefs of each of the primary Countries involved, the mindsets of the major negotiators, the intended outcomes, which unfortunately were never achieved, and the compromises that had to be made. So many people lost so much during WWI and the decades leading up to it, including population, economics and status that it was unlikely that the Paris Peace Talks would provide the answers. But it tried.

I heard a lot about the Treaty of Versailles but never knew how it was made. Fascinating walk through how and why it was created. A lot of geographical history that I was unaware of. Good read for those interested in History

In true 'Captivating History' style, and with amazing research - this epistle covers virtually every conceivable aspect (before/during/after) surrounding the actual 'Treaty'….in detail.The content covers far more than one could expect just from reading the title of the book.Useful though the maps could be in illustrating situations - they are not really legible on a Kindle and black and white format.There's a very light smattering of grammatical glitches.Interesting that the term 'First World War' is used throughout - surely: the term was not used until the 'Second World War'; the term 'Great War'' was commonly used prior to WWII?All in all - a really excellent coverage of the build-up, background, sequences and impact of the Treaty from every angle.

A read that will give you information about the terms to the end of WWI and how Hitler was able to rise to start the Third Reich.

Boa leitura que dá o caminho inicial, através das páginas, para o início da Segunda Guerra Mundial. Gosto muito desta coleção histórica.

Margaret McMillan 1919's Paris is the great book about Treaty of Versailles. But this summary is a readable and much smaller alternative. However, why didn't they include the name of the writer?

A great insight to the treaty of Versailles essential reading before getting into the history of ww2 also a great history of the birth of Germany many thanks

perfect, nice literature, I recommend it to everyone.

I had no idea that the Treaty had such a profound influence on WWII.Unfortunately this book is far too short but none the less thought provoking.That the treaty had good intentions but cost lives and communities period 1918-1939 makes me cross.Every school should include this book in their library.Peace keepers are the skilled people on the ground not 'here-today-gone' tomorrow rich politicians/bankers.