... of the First World War. Ebert, the German Chancellor, was reluctant to sign the treaty, but had no choice, as Germany was not in a military or economic position to continue the war. The Treaty contributed to the growth of the NSDAP, as it was the first reason that led the German people to feel disillusioned with the existing system of government and would be likely to search for another political group to support. The German people greeted the treaty with disgust, anger and horror. Laurence Rees argues: "To them the circumstances of Germany's defeat in November 1918 brought only shame and dishonour."3 In the minds of many people, the Socialist politicians who signed the treaty became known as the 'November Criminals.' A myth began to circulate that Germany had not been defeated by their enemies, but had been 'stabbed in the back' by German politicians who did not wish to ...

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