Chamberlain bought into the minimalist view of Hitler’s foreign policy aims rather than the maximalist Flashcards
When did chamberlain, assume office, what was he previously?
1937 He has previously been Chancellor of the Exchequer.
AJP Taylor wrote what Of the events of the first and second World War?
“It is important to remember that events now long in the past were once in the future.”
What was the context of chamberlain’s descision to work for peace?
In the context, his decision to work for peace was understandable and often supported by popular support.
What is the Context of appeasement?
the impact of WWI, the Great Depression, the destruction of the League and the fear of the Soviet Union.
- Great Depression 1929-39
- Countries economically poor
- Very high unemployment
- Isolationist foreign policies
- Rise of authoritarian states
- Fear of communism
- DISARMAMENT
- Failure of the LoN - collective security
- Spanish Civil War - 1936-39
What was Chamberlain’s aim?
Chamberlain aimed to end the haphazard nature of British foreign policy and develop a better relationship with the dictators
Quote from neville chamberlain on Dictators such as Hitler and Mussolini?
‘The dictators are often regarded as though they were entirely inhuman. I believe this idea to be quite erroneous…it is the side on which they can be approached with the greatest hope of successful issue.’ 1938
What did Chamberlain believed colonial restitution could do?
coax Germany into a settlement
What is the Orthodox arguement?
Appeasement a cowardly policy doomed to fail
What did Churchill say of Chamberlain’s decision to appease in 1938
“You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour and you will have war.”
Churchill quote on an appeaser?
“An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.” –
Pamphlet ‘Guilty Men’ by Michael Foot et al. 1940 accused Chamberlain of what
pursing a disastrous policy which left Britain ill-prepared to face the dictators.
RAC parker suggests what after Anschluss in 1938
Britain could have found enough domestic support for an alliance France and a policy of encircling Germany.
What is the Revisionist Perspective?
AJP Taylor- Consequently, appeasement was the logical and only response, given diminished resources and worldwide imperial obligations, in the realpolitik tradition; that is to say, appeasement work. AJP Taylor argues that Hitler didn’t have a clear plan for foreign policy, he was improvising so how could Chamberlain have predicted what would happen?
A.J.P Taylor quote on war?
A.J.P Taylor ‘No war is inevitable until it breaks out.’
What is the minimalist view of Hitler’s foreign policy aims?
The minimalist view held that Hitler’s territorial ambitions were limited and focused on revising the Treaty of Versailles, specifically to reclaim German-speaking lands and restore Germany’s status without pursuing large-scale European domination.
What is the maximalist view of Hitler’s foreign policy aims?
The maximalist view suggested that Hitler sought aggressive, expansive goals, including the domination of all of Europe and the destruction of the existing international order.
Why did Chamberlain favor the minimalist interpretation of Hitler’s aims?
Chamberlain believed that Hitler’s goals were limited to rectifying injustices from the Treaty of Versailles, and that satisfying these demands could prevent a broader war.
How did the Treaty of Versailles influence Chamberlain’s view of Hitler’s ambitions?
Chamberlain viewed the Treaty of Versailles as overly harsh on Germany, and believed that Hitler’s grievances were reasonable efforts to restore Germany’s rightful position, aligning with the minimalist view.
How did Chamberlain’s fear of war shape his perception of Hitler’s ambitions?
Chamberlain, haunted by memories of World War I, was eager to avoid another war. The minimalist view was more appealing as it suggested that diplomacy and concessions could secure peace.
What was Chamberlain’s view on Hitler’s foreign policy aims, and how did it contrast with the maximalist perspective?
Chamberlain subscribed to a minimalist view of Hitler’s foreign policy aims, believing that Hitler sought only limited territorial expansion and that reasonable negotiation could prevent conflict. In contrast, the maximalist perspective suggested that Hitler had broader, more aggressive ambitions that would ultimately lead to war.
What statement did Hitler sign following the Munich Conference, and how did his subsequent actions contradict this agreement?
Following the Munich Conference, Hitler signed a statement agreeing to settle all international matters through consultation, suggesting a commitment to diplomacy. However, his actions soon after revealed his intent to attack Czechoslovakia, demonstrating his disregard for the agreement.
How did Hitler view the Munich Agreement in relation to his broader plans for Czechoslovakia?
Hitler regarded the Munich Agreement not as a diplomatic resolution, but as a tactical maneuver to facilitate the dismantling of Czechoslovakia. He viewed it as a stepping stone towards further territorial expansion in Central Europe.
What significant actions did Hitler take on 21 October, and how did they relate to the outcomes of the Munich Conference?
On 21 October, 1938, Hitler ordered the “liquidation of the remainder of the Czech state,” marking a decisive shift towards military aggression despite the Munich Agreement. This action underscored his determination to dismantle Czechoslovakia regardless of prior diplomatic commitments.
How can the Munich Agreement be interpreted as a failure for Chamberlain’s foreign policy approach?
The Munich Agreement can be interpreted as a failure of Chamberlain’s foreign policy, as it ultimately emboldened Hitler rather than containing him. Instead of achieving peace, it led to significant losses for Czechoslovakia and set the stage for further aggression in Europe.
