Adolf Hitler's declaration to rearm Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles marked a pivotal moment in the interwar period and set the stage for the events leading into World War II. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, imposed stringent military restrictions on Germany to prevent future aggression. It limited the size of the German army to 100,000 troops, prohibited conscription, and forbade the possession of substantial military hardware. However, by 1935, the Nazis, under Hitler's leadership, began openly flouting these restrictions, arguing that Germany's safety was at risk due to the rearmament of other nations, particularly France and the Soviet Union. On March 16, Hitler revealed his plans in a speech and simultaneously announced the reintroduction of conscription, calling for a substantial increase in military personnel. The Wehrmacht was reorganized and expanded, with new divisions created to boost Germany's military presence. This move was met with varying reactions internationally. While the British and French governments were concerned, they were also preoccupied with their own internal issues and the rise of fascism elsewhere in Europe, resulting in a weak response. The rearmament also resonated within Germany, where propaganda depicted it as a resurgence of national pride reclaimed from the dangers of foreign oppression and signs of a reinvigorated Germany. The ramifications of this event would be profound, leading to the remilitarization of the Rhineland, further military offensives throughout Europe, and eventually the outbreak of World War II. The rearmament process was characterized by rapid advancements in military technology and tactics, reflecting Hitler's ambitions to create a powerful Nazi Germany capable of challenging the European order established after World War I.