7) Hitler’s foreign policy Flashcards
What were Hitler’s foreign policy aims?
- Lebensraum- get ‘living space’ especially in east- expand population to 9.5 million.
- Reverse TOV and restore land lost in 1919
- Destroy communism especially in USSR
- Unite all German speaking people (self determination) (Gross Deutschland)
- Anschluss (Union) with Austria which was forbidden by TOV
What was the Disarmament Conference 1932-4?
In 1932, 60 nations met to discuss reducing chances of war. Hitler withdrew when France refused to reduce their armed forces to those of Germany.
The next year, Hitler set up a New Air Ministry to build 1000 planes. No countries stopped him. He also withdrew from the League of Nations.
What was the non-aggression pact with Poland in 1934?
Hitler accosted Poland’s boarders. This meant he no longer had to fear polish attack. It also angered the French, as they had a treaty with Poland which this broke. Britain saw this as Hitler wanting peace.
What was attempted Anschluss with Austria in 1934?
The Austrian Chancellor Dollfuss, outlaws the Austrian Nazi Party. Hitler was angry. Austrian Nazis assassinated Dollfuss. However, Mussolini sent troops to the Austrian border to earn off any German involvement. Anschluss had failed.
What happened in terms of the returning of the Saarland in 1935?
A plebiscite or vote was held on whether the Saar re-join Germany. 477,000 voted yes and 48,000 no. The Saar region re-joined Germany. This gave Hitler encouragement to continue to pursue an enlarged United Germany.
What did Hitler want to do in terms of rearmament and conscription?
Hitler renounced the Treaty of Versailles’ limits in the German army in 1935. He drew up proposals to increase the army to 550,000. Conscription was reintroduced.
Hitler claimed he was doing this in self-defence against France and USSR. It made him popular in Germany.
What was Stresa Front in 1935?
European countries were worried by rearmament. French, Italian and British representatives met at Stresa in Italy. They agreed to maintain peace.
What was Stresa Front undermined by?
- Anglo-German Naval Treaty 1935 which allowed German navy to increase to 35% of Britain’s
- Italian invasion of Abyssinia 1935- Mussolini was clearly not willing to work with Britain and France.
What had happened to the Rhineland under the Treaty of Versailles?
It had been demilitarised. The allies were to occupy the areas for 15 years or more, they were withdrawn in 1935.
In the March following the withdrawing of the allies from the Rhineland did Hitler do to it?
He re-occupied it, denouncing the Locarno Pact. This was a gamble by Hitler but he was convinced that neither Britain nor France, who were both preoccupied with the Abyssinian crisis would challenge his actions. It was successful and Hitler was convinced by this that Britain and France were unlikely to act against further aggression.
What were the results of the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
- Encouraged Hitler to challenge TOV even more
- Made it difficult for Britain and France to deal with the Abyssinian crisis as they feared that taking firm action against Mussolini would bring him closer to Hitler.
- Referendum held asking German people to approve the reoccupation- 98.8% voted in favour.
- Improved Hitler’s popularity in Germany.
What was the Rome-Berlin Axis?
October 1936, Italy and Germany signed it. They agreed to work together on areas of mutual interest. Mussolini was keen on closer relations Germany after Anglo-French opposition to the invasion of Abyssinia. Central to the agreement was the policy to stop the spread of communism in Europe. The axis was strengthened by an interchange of visited by Hitler and Mussolini in 1937 and 1938.
What was the Anti-Comintern pact?
In November 1936, Hitler signed a treaty with Japan known as the Anti-Comintern pact. A year later 1937 Mussolini joined. Main aim was to limit communist influence especially in the USSR. Provided scope for much closer relations between Germany, Japan and Italy. Encouraged further Japanese expansion into
Why did Hitler’s self confidence grow considerably?
Due to his success in the Rhineland in 1936.
Who did Hitler meet on November 5th 1937?
He met his military chiefs in Berlin and seemed to be firmly in the agenda. Following his meeting Hitler turned his attention to expansion eastwards.
