Hitlers foreign policy Flashcards
What was Hitlers foreign policy aims?
Disregard the Treaty
Unite all German speaking people
Lebensraum
Anschluss
Destroy communism
Why did Hitler feel he could challenge the Treaty of Versailes
Japan showed that the League of Nations wasnt very powerful and didnt do anything. Hitler new many countries like Britain and France were very vulnerable due to the economic issues. And he also knew many people felt the treaty was too harsh.
What happened as a result of the Disarmament Conference in 1932-1934
France refused to disarm to the level of Germany, therefore Germany grew their army to 300,000 and started training pilots and building air crafts, which went against the treaty, in October 1933 Germany withdrew from the league of nations.
What happened with the attempted Anshluss?
in 1934, Nazi members in Austria started a range of attacks from intruding a radio station in Vienna to assassinating the Austria chancellor, Dollfuss. This was part of Hitlers plan to try and destabilise Austria so he could take over. However, Hitler was concerned about Mussolini- he ordered 100,000 troop to move to the border of Austria to prevent Germany from invading and Hitler had to deny involvement so it didnt escalate
Why was the re-occupation of the Rhineland significant?
It showed that Hitler could push at Britain and France and they would retaliate, he got all his military and did it. Many Germans were also in favour of this as it showed the Hitler was willing to go any lengths by defying the treaty (March 1936)
What were some alliances Hitler made and explain them?
Rome-Berlin Axis (Oct 1936), was an alliance with Italy and they agreed to work together with matter of mutual interest it was also to help stop the spread of communism.
Anti-Comintern Pact (Nov 1936), was a treaty between Japan which agreed to try and stop the spread of communism around Europe, but it also showed that Japan and Germany had a close relationship and would back each other.
What encourage Hitler of for the 1938 Anschluss?
Hitler had gained more confidence through the Rhineland and the fact his military was much stronger. He also had an alliance with Mussolini and therefore didnt have to worry about him. Most Austrians were Germany speaking and even Hitler was born there so it made sense for them to join. The league of nations were very weak.
Describe the events of the Anschluss:
1937, Hitler order Austrian nazis to cause chaos within Austria to destabilise it
1938, Hitler invited the Austrian chancellor Shuschnigg to discuss the chaos, he was forced to accept two Austrian Nazis as part of the government and to have closer ties to Germany. in 8th March, chancellor ordered a vote to allow the Austrians to decide on their future. 12th March, Hitler had to act quickly and threatened the chancellor of an invasion, He resigned and the new leader was part of the Nazis and asked Hitler to send in troop to Austria and restore order.
Why did Hitler want Czechoslovakia?
Fighting a war from the west and east would be very difficult
Hitler wanted to achieve more lebensraum
He was scared the Soviet Union would attack Germany through Czechoslovakia
Outcomes of the Munich conference:
Czechoslovakia had been deserted by their allies.
Britain had a great sense of relief that war was not going to start after the Anglo-German Declaration
It showed Hitler that Britain and France wouldnt stop him in invading the rest of Czechoslovakia. He acquired more than 33% of the land and most of the industry including their Skoda armaments works.
When and How did Germany takeover Czechoslovakia?
In March 1939, Czechoslovakia had been let down and knew they were under threat from Germany. Hitler put pressure on the new leader, Hacha and threatened invasion. Hitler was invited to send troops in to restore order even though there wasnt any disorder and this way he was able to invade the country without breaking the law. Bohemia and Moravia became German provinces and Slovakia became a republic but was controlled by Germany.
What was the Pact of Steel?
A military alliance between Germany and Italy, they agreed to assist each other in the events of war and would plan operations together
What was the terms of the Nazi-Soviet pact? When was it signed?
Signed 23rd August 1939.
Agreed not to support any 3rd country if it attacked the other, Agreed to consult on matters of common interest and not join alliance that aimed at each other, (secretly) agreed to invade and divide Poland
How did the outbreak of war occur?
On 1st september, German troops invaded Poland. The British and French gave them an ultimatum to back out or they will get involved. Germany didnt respond and on the 3rd of Sep they declared war on Germany.
Describe the invasion of Poland:
Germany used the tactics of Blitzkreig . The city of Danzig was taken on the 17th of September. By 6th oct Germany and the Soviet Union fully divided Poland. Some managed to escape and go to Britain where the Free Polish Forces was established and they continued to fight in the war.
