Germany's Aggression: A Violation of the Treaty of Versailles

Why did the US view Germany as the aggressor?

1) Violation of the Treaty of Versailles

2) Germany's invasion of Poland

3) Germany's alliance with Japan

4) Germany's militarization

Final answer:

Germany was viewed as the aggressor by the US due to their violation of the Treaty of Versailles, which included rebuilding a military and occupying the Rhineland.

Answer:

Germany was viewed as the aggressor by the US primarily because of their violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

One of the reasons the United States saw Germany as the aggressor in the lead-up to World War II was their defiance of the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty, formulated after World War I, aimed to restrict Germany's military power as a means of preventing further conflict.

Despite these stipulations, Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, started a covert military expansion. They reintroduced compulsory military service and ultimately occupied the demilitarized area of the Rhineland, close to the border with France.

These aggressive actions by Germany led the US to consider them as a threat to international peace and security. In response, the US and other Western democracies adopted a policy of appeasement, hoping to prevent the outbreak of another devastating war.

However, as Germany's aggressive behavior continued and expanded, ultimately leading to the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II, the US and its allies were compelled to take a stand against Germany's violations of international agreements and commitments.