In the aftermath of World War I, the Treaty of Versailles emerged as a pivotal document that shaped the geopolitical landscape and laid the groundwork for the events chronicled in Prequel, a work that traces the rise of fascism in the years between World War I and World War II.

Signed on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles marked the formal end of World War I and imposed stringent conditions on the defeated Central Powers, particularly Germany. The treaty’s punitive measures sought to hamper Germany economically and politically, aiming to prevent a resurgence of militarism. However, the treaty’s terms sowed the seeds of discontent and resentment, creating an atmosphere ripe for radical ideologies to take root.

Thus, the treaty inadvertently contributed to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. The harsh terms imposed on Germany by the treaty, including territorial losses, disarmament, and substantial reparations, fueled a sense of national humiliation and resentment among the German population. Hitler, a charismatic and cunning orator, skillfully exploited these sentiments, weaving them into the core of his rhetoric.

Hitler’s impassioned speeches often centered on the perceived injustice of the Treaty of Versailles, portraying it as a Diktat (dictated peace) that humiliated Germany and unfairly burdened its people.