14 Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in September 1939? Flashcards
When and why did Britain and France declare war on Germany?
They declared war on Germany on the 1 September 1939, after the German invasion of Poland.
The Immediate Reason:
Germany ignored an ultimatum demanding that its army be withdrawn from the invaded areas.
The Real Reason:
Germany was making a bid for European domination. Not to have declared war would have been an acceptance of this domination
Why did Britain and France regard this action as a sign of Germany’s intention to dominate Europe?
Germany’s territorial expansion in Austria and the Sudetenland could be seen as self-determination. However when Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, it became clear to everyone that he trying to dominate Europe by force.
The invasion of Poland was regarded by Britain and France as a continuation of this process even though Germany had legitimate grievances over Danzig and access across the Polish Corridor.
What was Germany’s response when Britain and France declared war on them and why?
Hitler was taken by surprise. He did not think that they would take this action despite their guarantee with Poland.
Why?:
- Once the Nazi-Soviet Pact was signed, Hitler couldn’t see how Britain and France could give effective help to Poland
- Because of Britain and France’s previous reactions to Germany’s previous violations of the peace settlement. Hitler thought that it would be out of character for them to go to war over a territory over which Germany had such strong claims
Who was to blame for for the declaration of war on Germany?
Britain and France were possibly to blame, having behaved in s such a way that allowed Hitler to draw this conclusion. When Germany wanted something, Britain and France found a way to give it to him.
Why could it have seen to be inevitable that war was going to break out in Europe?
As Hitler’s rearmament plans were geared towards a war in the near future and he was set upon demonstrating Germany’s new-found strength.
