By the outbreak of WWI in August 1914, Germany was well-established as a major and prominent world power. Such an achievement could be seen in the countrys industrial and economic strength, overseas colonies, extensive trading interests and its vast army. Prior to the war of 1914, the people of Germany had a strong sense of pride, largely owing to their autocratic government and militaristic background. However, within five years, Germany was shattered, its armies on the Western front were in retreat, its citizens were in poverty and the monarchy lead by Kaiser Wilhelm II had abdicated in favour of a republic before the signing of the Versailles Treaty.
The Versailles Treaty was one of the many documents written up to ensure that Germany would never come to full power again. The terms of the Versailles Treaty included the loss of the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine, Eupen-Malmedy, Memel, the Hultschin district, Poznania,
Bibliography: TA Modern History Study Guide 2nd edition, Paul Kiem, Tom Cantwell, Daryl Le Cornu, Albert Marchetto, 2007. Flashpoints: National and International studies, Vicki Greer, Robert Darlington, 2003. Excel HSC Modern History for 2006 syllabus, Ron Ringer, 2007.