how does this document help explain how the treaty of versailles contributed to world war ii?

Examining the Treaty of Versailles provides insight into how it inadvertently paved the way for World War II. The Treaty imposed hefty reparations on Germany post World War I, crippling its economy and fostering a sense of resentment and humiliation among its citizens. This led to societal discord and hardship that became fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies and leaders, notably Adolf Hitler. Hitler capitalized on this dissatisfaction, promising to restore German honor and power. To an extent, the harsh conditions of the Treaty of Versailles created an environment conducive to the onset of World War II.

The linkage between the Treaty of Versailles and the Second World War is often debated among historians and scholars. Still, there are several reasons why one can argue that the Treaty did play a notable role in setting the stage for WWII. Initially, the Treaty drastically punished Germany with severe financial reparations and territorial losses. A crushed economy and the loss of national pride made this settlement particularly hard to swallow for the Germans, sparking widespread disgruntlement among the populace. This national humiliation was exploited by extremist factions, most notably the National Socialists led by a charismatic Adolf Hitler, who promised to 'right the wrongs' of the Treaty. It also sowed seeds of resentment in Italy, whose spoils of war were far less than they expected, paving the groundwork for Mussolini's fascist regime.

The disarmament clauses of the Treaty were flouted openly by both Germany and Italy, symbolizing the ineffectiveness and disregard for the Treaty. Besides, the absence of key players, like Russia, in negotiating the Treaty, coupled with the isolationist policy of the US, weakened the power dynamics of the League of Nations. With inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms and a disillusioned Germany and Italy, the world found itself on the precipice of another war just a couple of decades later. In essence, the Treaty of Versailles was seen by many, especially those burdened by it, as not a 'treaty of peace' but rather a continuation of warfare by other means – setting up the chessboard for World War II.