Appeasement Interpretations1918-1948 Flashcards
What was the popular majority view for appeasement and when was it formed?
In 1937-1938, appeasement was necessary and Chamberlain gave peace a chance
Why did the popular majority view develop at the time?
Chamberlain had brought Britain time while appeasing Hitler and was better prepared for the inevitable war in 1939
What are some examples of the popular majority interpretation?
People lined the streets and cheered Chamberlain when he returned from his meeting with Hitler in Munich
What was the impact of the popular majority interpretation?
People started feeling guilty about what happend in Czechslovakia and Britain hadn’t stood up to Hitler. The agreement wasn’t long term.
Who were the critics of the popular majority interpretation?
Winston Churchill-spoke in October 1938 and David Low who said that ‘Chamberlain has encouraged aggression’
What was the popular and political view and when did it form? (Guilty Men)
That appeasement was foolish and an immoral policy that weakened Britain and strengthened the dictators. It formed in 1938-1948
Why did the popular and political view develop at the time?
During WW2, there was a huge shift in attitude towards Chamberlain and appeasement. The book ‘Guilty Men’ published in 1940 said appeasement strengthened Hitler and left Britain defenceless.
What are examples of the popular and political view?
‘Guilty Men’ -Hitler stated his intentions for war in 1923 in Mein Kampf so Chamberlain knew what he was doing.
What was the impact of the popular and political view?
When Churchill became PM he said he wanted to continue fighting but Lord Halifax said Britain should make peace with Hitler. Guilty Men supported Churchill and showed that war was inevitable and by letting Hitler do what he wanted they were only strengthening him when they should have been preparing for war.
What was the Churchill/Orthodox interpretation and when was it formed?
Appeasement was a mistake but Chamberlain had good intentions. Churchill also tried to put forward the idea that he was the only person who oppposed the policy and this view remained influential from 1948 onwards. It was formed in the 1948-1960
Why did the Orthodox view develop at the time?
Churchill lost the 1945 election and spent his time writing the history of WW2. So he wanted to make sure his place in history was secure by including his own view.
What are examples of the Orthodox view?
British historian John Charmley said ‘Churchill’s version of events was an exercise in self-promotion’ ‘Chamberlain can’t have been that bad as choice for PM or Churchill wouldn’t have seconded him’.
What was the impact of the Orthodox view?
Churchill had so much prestige after leading Britain through the war that his account became the accepted view
What was the academic revisionist view and when was it formed?
Chamberlain didn’t have much choice in the circumstances. Hitler didn’t plan a war but was an opportunist and Chamberlain couldn’t have known war was coming. It was formed from 1948-1960s.
Why did the academic revisionist view develop at the time?
In the 60s, many traditional ideas were being questioned. The Vietnam War made people re-think other past wars. Government papers were made available because of the 30-year rule. There was now an understanding of the concerns Chamberlain had to face. After WW2, Britain couldn’t afford another war so The Treasury blocked most of Chamberlain’s plans to increase the armed forces.
