Appeasement and the Road to War, 1918–1939

Question 1

Treaty of Versailles: Territorial

Answer 1

• Germany lost 10% of its land, including Alsace Lorraine to France.
• Germany was split because the Polish Corridor was created to provide Poland access to the sea.
• An area called the Rhineland was not allowed to put an army or defences in this area.
• Germany and Austria were not allowed to join in a union (Anschluss).
• Germany lost all their colonies (overseas lands they controlled).

Question 2

Treaty of Versailles: Military

Answer 2

• The German army was reduced to 100,000 men.
• The German army was not allowed to have tanks.
• Germany was not allowed to have an air force.
• The German navy was only allowed 6 warships and no submarines.

Question 3

Treaty of Versailles: Financial

Answer 3

• Germany had to pay reparations of £6.6 billon (or, 132 million Deutsche marks).
• Germany lost coal mines and iron works as the Saar region was put under the control of the League of Nations for 15 years.

Question 4

Treaty of Versailles: Guilt

Answer 4

• Germany had no choice but to sign Article 231 of the Treaty which said Germany alone accepted the blame for having caused the war.

Question 5

League of Nations: Successes

Answer 5

• In 1920, the League of Nations sorted put some social issues. Some of these involved the League of Nations taking home 500,000 prisoners from war. They also managed to approve the slavery conventions which led to them freeing 200,000 slaves.
• Furthermore, the League of Nations began the establishment of new territories. This included the free city of Danzig in accordance with the Treaty of Versailles.
• In 1921, the League of Nations settled a dispute between Sweden and Finland over the Aaland islands. This is because the island traditionally belonged to Finland, but the islanders wanted it to be governed by Sweden.
• In 1923, the League of Nations sorted out some economic issues. This included the League of Nations saving Austria from economic collapse by providing the government with financial experts and a large loan.
• In 1925, the League of Nations resolved a dispute between Greece and Bulgaria. This was due to soldiers who were patrolling the border started firing at one another when a Greek soldier eventually died and having the Greek army invading Bulgaria. However, the League of Nations demanded them to stop, and Greece was to blame having to pay £45,000.

Question 6

League of Nations: Failures/Weaknesses

Answer 6

• The League of Nations failed to include certain and such powerful countries such as United States of America and U.S.S.R due to the fear of communism.
• In 1933, Japan left the League of Nations due to allegations towards the explosion on the Japan owned South Manchurian Railway after Japan tried to invade Manchuria. This is as the League of Nations failed to impose military sanctions.
• In 1935, the League of Nations failed to close the Suez Canal to make sure Italy would have to travel further to invade Abyssinia.
• The League of Nations also failed to impose coal and oil sanctions which would have stopped Italy’s war effort.
• The League of Nations, again, failed to send military assisting Abyssinia to defend themselves from Italy as Italy would be sending a lot of troops there.
• As of a result, the League of Nations failed to keep Italy in the League of Nations as hey let Italy leave with everything they wanted as well as letting them form an alliance with Germany.

Question 7

Hitler’s Foreign Policy: Aims and Goals

Answer 7

• Hitler wanted to establish a new racial order in Europe dominated by the German “master race”
• Hitler’s main three aims were to revise the Treaty of Versailles, unite all German – speaking people into one Reich, expanding eastwards to achieve Lebensraum.
• Hitler had three stages to his foreign policy:
o a moderate policy up to 1935,
o increased activity between 1935 and 1937,
o a more confident foreign policy after 1937,
o certain that there would be little opposition to his plans.
• The Nazis believed that the Germans were to control Lebensraum with Hitler realising to gain Lebensraum it would require war. Therefore, he began preparing for it as soon as he came into power.
• German foreign policy sought to undo the Treaty of Versailles building alliances and incorporate territories with German populations into the Reich, whilst preparing for war.
• During the war, German foreign policy sought the cooperation of European states in achieving the Nazi goal of murdering Jews in Europe.

Question 8

Hitler’s Actions 1933 - 1939

Answer 8

• In October 1933, Hitler removed Germany from the League of Nations and Disarmament Conference.
• On March 9th, 1935, Hitler had announced the existence of the Luftwaffe through a Daily Mail interview. Later, March 16th, Hitler further announced the re-introduction of conscription which would total up to 550,000.
• In June 1935, an Anglo – German naval deal was signed signifying the idea that Germany could build up its naval forces to a level that was 35% of Britain’s.
• In March 1936, Hitler had decided to remilitarise the Rhineland on a Sunday whilst other countries were not notified until a Monday morning (by then it was too late).
• In July 1936, Hitler made an Austro – German agreement which increased Germany’s influence over Austria.
• Furthermore, the Spanish Civil War had just started, and Hitler offered some military support for his fellow fascist General.
• In November 1936, Hitler signed an agreement with Italy which became known as the Rome – Berlin Axis where they agreed to share a common foreign policy.
• In November 1937, Hitler met with some of his Senior Generals to discuss the invasion and takeover of Czechoslovakia. This was known as the Hossbach Memorandum.
• In March 1938, Hitler carried out the annexation of Austria to form Anschluss whilst making sure Hitler did not object.
• In March 1939, Germany occupied and dismembered the whole of Czechoslovakia after the Sudetenland being handed to them previously.
• In May 1939, Hitler signed the Rome – Berlin Axis deal with Italy. This was also referred to the Pact of Steel.

Question 9

Germany strengthening/Growing threat actions

Answer 9

• During the Hossbach Memorandum, Hitler said “Germany must be ready for war by 1938 and at the latest by 1943 – 45” conveying he was anticipating a war.
• German troops started moving in the frontier – scared Czechoslovakia as they thought they were being invaded.
• Germany could now attack Poland due to the takeover of Czechoslovakia.

Question 10

Remilitarised Rhineland: Why Hitler Remilitarised?

Answer 10

• Area was essential for the German armament industry as well as being important for the coal steel and iron production.
• Hitler was annoyed at the Treaty of Versailles prohibiting stationary troops in the Rhineland but other countries such as France, Belgium and Britain were allowed.
• Hitler was mad that Russia broke the Locarno pact, hence he thought he could do the same by remilitarising.
• As the Young Plan reduced reparations to £2 billion, the French troops left 5 years early (1930).
• Since Hitler seized power in Germany and withdrew from the Disarmament Conference and League of Nations, he started reaming intensely which built up tension in Europe.

Question 11

Remilitarised Rhineland: Why Britain should’ve acted to stop the Remilitarised Rhineland?

Answer 11

• If Britain had stepped in within 48 hours, the remilitarising would not be able to continue.
• Germany’s military was not strong enough to keep possession.
• Hitler was not strong enough to stop countries, therefore testing his luck.
• Once Hitler had secured the West, he was in a stronger position to start acting in the East, beginning with Austria.
• It increased the possibility of Germany invading France through Belgium in the future.
• Germany’s allies could not easily deal with them if needed.

Question 12

Anschluss: How Hitler achieved Anschluss?

Answer 12

• Since Engelbert Dollfuss was killed in July 1934, Germany was expected to help but when did, Mussolini was angered and threatened to invade. Hitler then realised it was the wrong time to invade.
• On February 12th, 1938, the new Chancellor Schuschnigg met with Hitler in Berchtesgaden which Hitler aggressively stated his terms were:
o Austrian Nazi Party ban to be lifted,
o 3 Austrian Nazis to join Schuschnigg government,
o a better economic and military relationship between the 2 countries.
• As Schuschnigg felt bullied, he obeyed Hitler’s demands but changed his mind on March 9th with holding a plebiscite on March 12th asking the public if they wanted to remain independent.
• Later, Hitler took military action and moved troops to the border to pressurise Austria. He then cancelled the plebiscite with Schuschnigg resigning and Seyss – Inquart being the new Austrian Chancellor.
• As the new Chancellor’s first act, he sent a telegram to Berlin asking them ‘to restore law and order.’ Hitler’s troops then passed into Austria on March 12th.
• With good reactions from the public and a full Anschluss on March 12th, the Austrian government passed a law stating that Austria was part of the German Reich.
• On April 10th, a plebiscite was held with 99% of Austrians stating they were happy being part of the German Reich.

Question 13

Anschluss: Why we accepted Anschluss?

Answer 13

• Britain still felt guilt after the severity of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Austria was extremely poor but due to Anschluss, Austria would benefit since they had “free markets for their raw materials and manufactured goods.”
• Austria wanted Anschluss just as much as Germany did. Due to this, Britain did not see a problem as no help was asked.
• For a long time, Austria never had a leader and by uniting with Germany it helped Austria economically and militarily (making it strong again).
• Giving Hitler something that he wanted would please him and keep him peaceful. Therefore, we did not need to worry about threats or violence.

Question 14

Sudeten Crisis

Answer 14

• The Sudeten German Party (SDP) was founded in 1933 by Konrad Heinlein and Hitler in 1935. They had developed a contact and a connection with the Nazi Party.
• In 1938, tension rose between the SDP and President Benes as he was anxious to avoid “carving the country” with Czechs, Slovaks, Germans, Poles and Hungarians. He was not sure if it would end if it began but this is what Hitler wanted.
• Between May 20th – 21st 1938 the Czech army had suddenly mobilised and German troops were reported in Frontier as a state of alert. This is because Czechoslovakia felt they were being attacked. Therefore, both Britain and France warned Germany to back down.
• Meeting 1 – Berchtesgaden:
o On 15th September 1938, it was agreed that Sudeten areas with over 50% of German population would be handed to Germany. However, Hitler wanted to take down Czechoslovakia yet could not refuse this offer.
• Meeting 2 – Godesberg:
o On 22nd September 1938, Hitler had now declined Chamberlains offers and was demanding the Sudetenland to be handed over with the current conditions. This was a big step up from what Hitler originally was getting and it was known to start a fight.
• In Chamberlains radio address, he talked about how it could be a positive fact that this would be the last of Hitler’s action as it was his end of his hunger for power. However, he also makes it clear that Britain should prepare physically and mentally for the worst.

Question 15

Munich Agreement

Answer 15

• After Britain and France told Hitler to back down from alerts received from Czechoslovakia, he was humiliated and eager to make taking down Czechoslovakia his top priority.
• On September 12th, 1938, Hitler gave a speech in Czechoslovakia talking about how Sudetenland were being persecuted and deserved justice that only he could bring them which would make anything he did to take the country in the future look as though he did so much with honourable intentions.
• On September 28th, 1938, Mussolini warned Hitler about turning the Czech Crisis into a full-scale war causing Hitler to have second doubts. This meant when the Munich Conference was offered, he accepted.
• France and Britain did not want war, so the countries were prepared to do anything to prevent it, meaning they were siding with Czech.
• Britain, France, and Czechoslovakia were preparing for war militarily in ways such as that the Czech had mobilised their army and France had called up military reservists. Hitler did not want to risk anything and so he made a deal.

Question 16

Why we accepted Hitler’s demands?

Answer 16

• The land we were prepared to give was made up of a 50% German population.
• We did not want to have a war over Czechoslovakia.
• We still felt Treaty of Versailles guilt.
• Hitler stated that this would be the ‘last territorial demand’ he would make.
• Chamberlain heard about Operation Green which was Hitler’s plan to invade on October 1st and wished to stop it before it was too late.
• The British military strength was weaker than Germany and so Britain wanted to avoid war.

Question 17

Why we should’ve acted against Hitler?

Answer 17

• The rest of Czechoslovakia was now under a great threat from Germany – Germany later took Bohemia and Moravia.
• Czechoslovakia lost 30% of their population and 40% of their industry in the Munich Agreement because of the Sudeten Crisis.
• Hitler now had more resources and power to help increase his army strength – Czechoslovakia was 6th largest industrial employer and 7th largest arms manufacturer.
• Britain knew Hitler was a man who wanted war. Therefore, we should have predicted he would eventually want the rest of Czechoslovakia.
• Hitler turned down the proposals we had asked for in the Karlsbad Programme, showing he did not care about the Sudeten Germans but about taking more territory and increasing military strength.
• Thanks to Operation Greene, it was clear Hitler wanted to take over Czechoslovakia.
• France had an alliance with Czechoslovakia and Britain usually would agree with the French.

Question 18

Piece of Paper

Answer 18

• On September 29th, 1938, the Munich Agreement took place between Germany, Britain, France, and Italy. Russia and Czechoslovakia were not invited as the e aim was to discuss how to give the Sudetenland to Germany.
• During the 9 hours of negotiations, Mussolini presented the Godesberg terms as if they were brand new and the other countries agreed to them. Czechoslovakia was given 12 hours to accept and 10 days to implement them.
• The countries agreed that the Sudetenland would be given over to Germany early October, but Czechoslovakia disapproved. However, nobody backed them up.
• Even though the 4 countries made a fair agreement, Chamberlain knew he needed a bigger guarantee to show the British people. So, he had another meeting with Hitler where they agree to sign the Anglo – German Naval Deal in 1935. This meant no conflict would be taken between the 2 countries.
• After signing the Anglo – German Naval Deal, Chamberlain was greeted by crowds of supporters.

Question 19

British Reaction

Answer 19

• 20,000 letters of support towards Chamberlain were sent.
• BBC Radio commented on the 5,000 supporters that turned up at Downing Street but failed to mention 15,000 protesters that toured up at Trafalgar Square.
• After 4 days of debating, Chamberlain received a favourable result about his foreign policy methods. However, there was much opposition, especially from Winston Churchill (a fellow conservative).
• Churchill’s opinions were that Britain had “suffered a total and unmitigated defeat.”
• Newspapers were quick to praise Chamberlain and all his achievements at Munch.
• Although political cartoonists were favourable towards Chamberlain, they surpassed themselves with acute and often damning criticism of what they had seen.

Question 20

March 1939

Answer 20

• Hitler made Hacha (President of Czechoslovakia) wait until 10 o’clock in the morning to tell him that no matter what was said in the 3 meetings, Czechoslovakia was going to happen. However, before Hitler took over, he made a threat saying if Hacha did not sign the document which would provide an easier transition, he would bomb Prague. This caused Hacha to have a heart attack.
• Hitler claimed the Czech Germans were victims to the terrorist regime of the Czechs/ Therefore, the claims made were to stop disruption to the peace.
• Germany gained lost at the Munich agreement when Czechoslovakia lost 30% if its territory, 30% of its population and 50% of its industry. They became more vulnerable and weaker.
• As Hitler did not receive an enthusiastic welcome from the German public and France were keen on backing down the Czechs, Hitler was full of growing doubts about the possibility in turning the Czech crisis to a full – scale war.

Question 21

Why we offered Poland a ‘guarantee’?

Answer 21

• Hitler showed interest in invading Poland.
• Poland and Britain did not want this so Britain ‘guaranteed’ Poland they would help if Hitler made a move. However, they guaranteed Czechoslovakia the same thing and failed to act.
• They did not have the help of Russia.
• Without Russia and their history of letting Hitler get away with what he wanted, Hitler was not convinced that they would act.
• Britain now had to prove to Hitler that they were serious.

Question 22

Key events and steps that took us to war

Answer 22

• Danzig was a town at the end of the Polish corridor with a 98% German population. Hitler saw the fact that Auslandsdeutsh were under the control of a government he viewed as inferior.
• To protect Poland, David Lloyd believed they needed an alliance with Russia, 84% of Britons agreed. However, David Lloyd George did not know whether to trust Russia or not.
• Italy took over Albania in April 1939 as it was an easy takeover due to their weak military. Italy and Germany then went on to sign the Pact of Steel in May 1939.
• Stalin wanted to sign a Britain/France agreement in April, but Britain took two weeks to reply whereas Russia took days. This is because Britain sent Lowly, a foreign officer, by boat and Germany sent Ribbentrop (their foreign minister) by plane.
• The Nazi – Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed by Molotov and Ribbentrop. It was agreed they would remain neutral and there would be no war between them two. However, they had a secret protocol which was they would both attack Poland.
• Germany then invaded Poland on September 1st, 1939, with Britain ordering a warning saying they would attack if they did not leave.
• Britain then declared war on September 3rd, 1939.

Question 23

Why Britain declared war?

Answer 23

• Hitler forced Hacha to sign over Czechoslovakia and if he refused, Goering threatened to bomb Prague. Hacha signed at 4am on March 15th, 1939, after suffering a heart attack.
• Poland was clearly Germany’s next target.
• Albania was invaded by Italy, who wanted to match Hitler’s success. This was then followed by the Pact of Steel.
• An alliance was now formed between Stalin and Germany meaning the Nazi – Soviet Non – Aggression Pact was now signed.
• Germany invaded Poland followed by Britain declaring war.

Question 24

Reasons why Britain appeased?

Answer 24

• Britain Military Weakness –
o Britain’s military expenditure had significantly decreased in the 30’s. This was shown by the £185 million spent in 1936 in comparison to the £692 million in 1919/1920.
o Britain were also vulnerable to air attacks, with minimal air, defences, and a diminished navy.
• Economic –
o Britain had started recovering by trading with Germany after the Great Depression as over 3 million people had lost their jobs.
• Fear of Communism –
o Britain believed a strong Germany would provide a block against the Communist threat from Soviet Russia and the East.
• Lack of Dominion Support –
o Dominions has retracted their military support from and Empire in a 1937 conference, which meant the British army was smaller and not geared enough to oppose Germany.
• Lack of Reliable Allies –
o France having lost 71% of the military in WWI convinced them to not have another war meaning they could not be trusted as an ally if Britain went to war. They had become very defensible minded which was influenced by their ‘Maginot Mentality’ in the 30’s having poured 1 billion francs into the strengthening and extension of the Maginot Line.
o The U.S. had entered a period of seclusion after WWI as shown by not choosing to join the League of Nations and their Neutrality Acts passed in the 1930’s. They could not be relied on in a time of war in this period.
• League of Nations Failures –
o There was a lack of power and influence by the League after Japan and Italy left due to the Manchurian and Abyssinian crisis.
• Public Pacifism/Opinion –
o The public were still scarred by the memory of the Great War and did not want to suffer that much again.
o Chamberlain and the public agreed they did not want another war. Hence, by 1935, a peace ballot was introduced which gained 11 million supporters on the issue of international disarmament.
• Treaty of Versailles Guilt –
o Britain had felt that if France could break the Locarno pact, so could Germany as Britain only saw Germany building themselves up after being limited.