3.2.1 Hitler’s Actions, 1933-1935 Flashcards
When did Germany leave the League of Nations?
1933
Why did Germany leave the League?
Other countries failed to promise disarmament at the League’s conference on the matter. He argued he would continue to re-arm if other countries did
Describe the 1933 Disarmament Conference
The League of Nations held a conference encouraging all nations to disarm. When Hitler became chancellor he said he would disarm if everyone else did. If they didn’t then he would disarm to the same level as France. When France refused Hitler stormed out of the conference and pulled Germany out of the League of Nations
What was the reaction of the Allies to Hitler storming out of the conference and leaving the LON?
There was very little the allies could do. Hitler claimed that he had acted in a reasonable and fair way and that it was the French who were being unreasonable
Describe the 1934 Dollfuss Affair
Englebert Dollfuss, the Austrian Chancellor, knew Hitler wanted to unite Germany and Austria so he publicly banned the Nazi party in Austria. Hitler responded by asking the Austrians to revolt and Dollfuss was murdered. However, he didn’t take Austria then as Italy moved to try and stop him and his army wasn’t strong enough. Nevertheless, he knew he had the support of the Austrian people
What was the reaction of the public to the Dollfuss Affair?
Mussolini moved his army to the Austrian border in support of Austria. Hitler was not ready to fight so he backed down
Describe the 1935 Saar plebiscite
The Saar was a German speaking area given to the League of Nations for 15 years as a part of the Treaty of Versailles. In 1935, a plebiscite took place to decide whether Germany or France should control the area. 90% voted for Germany and Hitler used this as propaganda. He marched in and took back the land.
What was the reaction of the public to the Saar plebiscite?
Hitler gained valuable resources, like the coalfields of the Saar, and there was nothing anyone could do as the plebiscite was fair and legla
Describe the 1935 Rearmament
Hitler held the ‘Freedom to Rearm Rally’ in Germany where he announced that he had been rebuilding the German army and was reintroducing conscription. He had also started to develop the Luftwaffe - an air force. He put on a massive display of new weapons and rooms. This was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles
What was the reaction of the public to the 1935 Rearmament rally?
In April 1935, Britain, France and Italy agreed that they would work together against Hitler as the Stresa Front
Why did Germany leave the League of Nations in 1933?
Other countries failed to promise disarmament
Describe the 1935 Anglo-German Naval Agreement
Britain signed an agreement allowing Germany to have a navy that was 35% of the size of the British navy. He was also now allowed submarines
What did Hitler realise after the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?
Hitler realised that Britain was allowing him to break the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and Hitler thought that this would mean he could continue to break the terms without consequences
After the Saar plebiscite, what percentage of people wanted to go back to Germany?
90%
The Saar (4)
- A German speaking area
- Given to the League of Nations
- For 15 years
- As a part of the Treaty of Versailles
