What narrative was commonly taught in history classes regarding World War I?

The narrative that the German army was betrayed by politicians emerged prominently after World War I, particularly in the context of the "Stab-in-the-Back Myth" (Dolchstoßlegende). This belief suggested that the military had not lost the war on the battlefield but had instead been undermined by civilian politicians and socialists on the home front. It became a powerful argument among various groups in Germany, promoting the idea that the military leadership had been misled and that the political decisions contributed to Germany's defeat.

This narrative was appealing for several reasons; it allowed for a way to avoid responsibility for the war's disastrous outcome and kept the military's honor intact. It also set the stage for future political movements, including the rise of nationalism and extremist parties, as it galvanized public sentiment against those seen as betraying the nation. The other options do not encapsulate this significant aspect of post-war sentiment or its historical ramifications as effectively as this narrative does.