History β | Let the peace topple! 𧱠| 3.2 Flashcards
What was Hitlerβs excuse for invading Austria? (anschluss)
He wanted to unite all German speaking people, and that having a growing population required more land.
How was Hitler able to unite with Austria despite Mussolini putting his army on alert in 1934 to prevent this?
Their relationsip had strenghtened by 1938.
What did the Austrian Chancellor do to restrict the activities of Nazis in Austria?
Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg announced a referendum whereby the Austrian people would decide for themselves if they wanted to be a part of Hitlerβs Germany. Hitler was mad as this would ruin his excuse.
When did Schuschnigg announce a referendum in Austria?
9 Mar 1938
How did Hitler respond to Schuschniggβs referendum?
He tells his generals to prepare for Austrian invasion. He orders Schuschnigg to call off the referendum. he does.
Why does Schuschnigg call off the refferendum?
He knows he wont have Italian help now that they changed sides, and that France and Britain wouldnt interfere due to appeasement.
When does Schuschnigg call off the refferendum?
10 Mar 1938
When do German troops march into Austria unopposed?
12 Mar 1938
How does Hitler show the world that the Union with Austria was legitimate?
He holds a rigged plebiscite himself and 99% of Austrians βAgreeβ with a 99% βturnoutβ
Was Anschluss actually supported by the Austrian public?
Yes
Why didnβt France do anything about Anschluss?
In March 1938, politics were in turmoil and 2 days before, the entire French government had resigned.
Why didnβt Britain do anything about Anschluss?
The population was against another European war and it just wouldnβt affect them. As both nations spoke German they felt it was fine, and the public sympathised with Germany.
What were the consequences of Anschluss?
- +7M people to Germany, 100k to Germanyβs Reich
- Germany gets steel, iron ore, and Austrian foreign exchange reserves
- Balance of power in SE Europe shifts in favour of Germany, with increased influence in the Balkans
- Czechoslovakia was surrounded on 3 front by Germany.
Why did Britain opt for appeasement and not forcefully stopping Germany?
After the Wall Street Crash (1929), Britain was economically very weak and could not afford to go to war again.
Why did Hitler hate Czechoslovakia and want to take over it? (at least justify)
- He thought the 3.5M sudenten Germans faced discrimination from Prague
- It was formed by the TOV, allying with FRANCE, and the SOVIET UNION
- Democratic
How were the Czechβs army?
A modern army with the rising tensions in Europe.
What was the symbol of John Bull?
A figure who signifies Britain, similar to uncle sam.
How did the Czech leader feel about Anschluss?
He was horrified, asking Britain and France for Help. They reculantly agree.
What is βhome ruleβ?
Government of a country, dependent country, or region by its own citizens.
What was the leader of Sudetenland Germans told that began the buildup of the Sudetenland crisis?
He was told by Hitler to start making demands for βHome ruleβ of Sudetens.
How did Czechs feel about home rule?
They thought it was unacceptable as it meant the breakup of their country.
Why do the Czechs mobilize their army?
They mobilise due to false rumours of a German attack.
How did Hitler feel about the mobilisation of the Czech army?
He now felt strongly that he should βsmash Czechoslovakiaβ by the 1st of October 1938. He was still cautious in case world opinion turned against him.
When did the Czechs mobilise their army?
May 1938
