1. Britain, France and the policy of appeasement: an assessment Flashcards
who is appeasement most commonly associated with?
British PM Neville Chamberlain in 1930s
what did appeasement mean?
conceding to demands of dictators in hope of avoiding war
why did Britain and France follow appeasement?
o Britain in no mood to engage in another war; the effects of Great Depression and vivid memories of Great War influenced public opinion, which was overwhelmingly pacifist
Chamberlain reluctant to spend money on defence, and believed Hitler’s demand reasonable. French, on other hand, wanted to actively oppose Hitler moves – by force if necessary – but helpless without Britain
what did appeasement lead to in crisis/wars?
No action taken in response to German rearmament, Italian invasion of Abyssinia, the remilitarisation of Rhineland or Spanish Civil War
What happened in March 1938?
Annexation (Anschluss) of Austria into the German reich was readily accepted by Italy, France and Britain
Why was acceptance of annexation (Anschluss) of Austria forbidden?
Forbidden by the treaty of Versailles
example of appeasement failure?
the Czech crisis
What happened with Czech crisis?
Hitler demanded Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia, a demand refused by Czechs
where, who and when was the Munich conference held?
who: Chamberlain, Hitler, Mussolini and Daladier (french PM)
when/where: Munich Sept 1938
What did the 4 powers decide on at munich conference?
decided to give Hitler the area as promised that it would be his last territorial demand
despite such promise, what happened?
15th March, German troops occupied rest of Czechoslovakia and policy of appeasement was abandoned
What did Britain and France do when appear Poland was next target?
guaranteed Poland’s security
What happened with such guarantee/promise with poland?
European conflict broke with invasion of Poland by Germany in September 1939
Quote to show Chamberlain promise to protect Poland?
“in the event of any action which clearly threatened Polish independence…to lend the Polish government all the support in their (British) power”
what has been suggested about the policy of appeasement?
allowed Hitler to revise TOV and strengthen German army, and encouraged him to seek more demands and concessions
