| The Rhineland held great significance for the nations surrounding the territoryand was a land that was fought over and used strategically by various powers. It was particularly contentious between 1918 and1945, a time of intense warfare and transition. This land was distinctly German at this time, and as the territory was occupied by Allied troops severaltimes throughout this period, it was seen as a territorythat needed to be protected.Examining the Rhineland following the Treaty of Versailles, through the interwar period to the ending of the Second World War, provides a view toward the significance of this land within the Germannationalistic mindset.Keywords:World War IWorld War IIRhine RiverRhinelandRhineland BastardsInterwar EuropeGermanyMilitary HistoryTreaty of Versailles |