1929-1951 Flashcards
WHY WAS CHURCHILL OUT OF OFFICE FOR SO LONG
Churchill was an outcast since he championed unpopular causes.
Seen as old-fashioned and Imperialistic
WHY WAS HE SO UNPOPULAR IN THE 30s
Failure at Gallipoli during WW1
returning to the Gold standard.
HOW DID CHURCHILL INCREASE HIS PROFILE IN THE 30s
Opposed Ghandi and Indian Independence
Supported the Abdication of King Edward VIII
Insisted on Rearmament
Opposed Concessions to Hitler in Appeasement.
WHAT WAS CHURCHILLS VIEW ON INDIA
served in India as Young Officer
Saw India as the Jewel in the crown of the Empire
Believed India should be Protected
Believed in Anglo-Saxon Racial superiority over Indians
HOW DID BRITAINS RULE IN INDIA COME UNDER THREAT
British Raj came under fire as Indian popu. wanted independence
Largest Movement led by Ghandi, wanted non-violent, non-cooperation
Rowlatt act 1919- Increased police power in India-allowing prisoners to be imprisoned without trial
INDIA INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT RESPONSE
Gandhi-Mass disobedience campaign
-Mass march to the sea in protest to
salt tax.
1935-Government of India act
CHURCHILLS VIEW ON INDIA AND REACTION TO HIS VIEWS.
Churchill was Bitterly opposed to Indian Independence.
Public wanted self Government in British territories.
Churchills support of Racist organisation isolated him further
WHAT WERE CHURCHILLS VIEWS ON REARMEMENT
Churchill was intent on maintaining British power and influence and became increasingly alarmed about the situation in Germany.
Wary of Hitler’s Brutality
Feared Germany’s navy and Air force could threaten the British.
WHY HAD BRITAIN NOT REARMED
Churchill’s critics pointed out that Churchill himself was responsible for Britain’s disarming in the 1920’s and his backing of the 10 Year Rule
Wall street crash-financial Crisis of 1929
WW1 developed from an arms race population. thought it was reckless repeating it
Many felt sympathy for Germany and how they were treated by the Treaty of Versailles.
WHAT WAS BRITAINS WORLD POSITION IN THE 30s
Britain was a net gainer- Formidable navy-Empire Grew-new oil reserves
public opinion nor Britain’s economic strength permitted keeping gains
Britain was unprepared for war.
HOW WAS GERMANY REARMING
Conscription 1935
Re-militarised Rhineland 1936
Germany left league of Nations
Anglo-German Naval treaty-allowed Germany to build up own navy.
Why does Chamberlain opt for the policy of appeasement?
Chamberlain believed engaging in peace negotiations with Germany would bring down the possibility of war. The Army and Navy had inadequate resources to combat Germany, Italy, and Japan.
HOW DID GERMANY EXPAND ITS BORDERS
Annexation of Austria -1938
Hitler Invader sudetenland-1938
Why was the invasion of the Sudetenland problematic?
Moving the Czech border would remove vital fortifications and render her defenceless
Chamberlain put pressure on the Czechs to make concessions and flew to negotiate with Hitler. This failed and the PM was embarrassed
What was the outcome of the Munich Conference?
Chamberlain’s pursuit of personal diplomacy led him to ask Hitler to sign a pact without consultation, which he considered a triumph. However, the public’s admiration for him quickly faded.
Had Chamberlain’s actions failed Britain?
Rationally, Chamberlain bought time for rearmament and avoiding a war that Britain was unprepared for. Hitler threatened to dominate Europe, and Chamberlain made empty guarantees to other states, including Poland.
Was Churchill’s reaction to Munich realistic?
Churchill opposed negotiations with Hitler, advocating for a united front against Germany’s expansion. He believed Britain’s vulnerability would only encourage further territorial gains and advocated a forceful stance.
What were the arguments against Churchill’s view?
Britain and France were unprepared for war and lacked a counter-offensive strategy. The US was isolationist, and Churchill’s belief in the League of Nations was misplaced.
What was the state of the British monarchy in 1936?
- British monarchy remained stable in early 20th century.
- George V was a respected monarch who supported war effort.
- Edward VIII was known for partying and pursuing women despite his public responsibilities and service in the war.
Why was Edward a controversial figure?
King Edward’s desire to marry a divorced American and his relationship with Hitler caused controversy due to his position as the leader of the Church of England.
What was Churchill’s Role in the War 1944-45
- The US dominated Britain after 1940.
- The USSR played a crucial role.
- Britain suffered losses in Normandy and was a junior partner to the USA.
- Churchill played a minor role in the Yalta meetings.
- The Mediterranean campaign was critical, and British forces were stretched thin.
Britain’s Aims by 1944
- Britain joined the war to defend Poland
- Heavy bombing and allying with USSR damaged Britain’s reputation
- The US controlled the war strategy and stationed troops in Britain
- The East was lost to Japan
- India remained important to Britain despite US opposition to imperialism
How was Britain preparing for life after the war?
After WWI, radical social reforms were deemed a distraction from achieving victory.
However, the wartime coalition headed by Churchill made significant progress in planning the post-war period and paved the way for essential reforms after 1945.
How did Churchill manage his relationship with Roosevelt?
Leaders of two English-speaking democracies didn’t always agree. Their relationship started poorly but their partnership is seen as having saved the West.
