Hitlers Foreign Policy Flashcards
What was Hitler’s primary desire for Germany?
To make Germany a great nation, rid it of the Treaty of Versailles, and unite all German-speaking peoples
This desire is foundational to Hitler’s foreign policy aims.
What was the main aim of Hitler’s foreign policy regarding the Treaty of Versailles?
The abolition of the Treaty of Versailles
Hitler had outlined his foreign policy aims in Mein Kampf (1924).
What did Hitler promise regarding the Treaty of Versailles?
To restore lands lost in 1919 and build up the German armed forces
Hitler never accepted the terms of the Treaty.
What concept did Hitler use to justify the need for additional territory for Germany?
Lebensraum (Living Space)
This was necessary to unite all Germans and obtain raw materials.
Which countries did Hitler envision acquiring Lebensraum from?
Poland and Russia
These regions were seen as vital for expanding German territory.
What was the term used for Hitler’s goal to unite with Austria?
Anschluss
The Treaty of Versailles had forbidden this union.
What was Hitler’s view towards Communism and the USSR?
He hated the USSR and believed Communists contributed to Germany’s defeat in World War One
He feared a Jewish-Bolshevik threat led by Stalin.
What significant military policy did Hitler introduce at the start of his chancellorship?
Rearmament and conscription
This included building up the army, navy, and airforce.
What was the goal of the Disarmament Conference held from 1932-34?
To reduce the chance of war by discussing arms reduction
Germany wanted all nations to reduce arms to their lowest level.
How many men did Hitler aim for the Wehrmacht to consist of?
550,000 men
This was part of his military rearmament strategy.
What was the Stresa Front formed in 1935?
A coalition of France, Italy, and Britain concerned about Germany’s rearmament
They formally protested Hitler’s plans.
What was the Non-Aggression Pact with Poland in 1934?
A promise to accept Polish borders and encourage trading
It was set to last 10 years.
What did the naval treaty between Britain and Germany in June 1935 allow?
Germany to increase its fleet to 35% the size of Britain’s
This breached the Treaty of Versailles.
What event occurred during the attempted Anschluss with Austria in 1934?
Austrian chancellor Dollfuss was assassinated
The Nazis attempted to seize power but failed due to lack of support.
What was the outcome of the plebiscite regarding the Saarland in 1935?
477,000 voted to rejoin Germany, while 48,000 voted against
This was a significant moment in Hitler’s expansionist policies.
What was Hitler’s desire regarding Germany?
To make Germany a great nation, rid Germany of the Treaty of Versailles, and unite all German speaking peoples.
What happened in March 1936 concerning the Rhineland?
Hitler reoccupied the Rhineland.
What was the reaction of Britain and France to the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
They did not physically react due to being preoccupied with the Abyssinia crisis.
What was the outcome of the referendum held after the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
98.8% voted in favour of the occupation.
What was the Rome Berlin Axis?
An agreement between Italy and Germany to work together on mutual interests and follow a common foreign policy.
What was the purpose of the Anti-Comintern Pact?
To limit the spread of Communism and the influence of the Soviet Union.
What did the Anti-Comintern Pact achieve regarding Japan?
It furthered relations between Germany, Italy, and Japan and encouraged Japanese expansion into China.
What actions did Hitler take concerning Austria in 1938?
Encouraged Austrian Nazis to create unrest and bullied the Austrian chancellor into accepting Nazis in his cabinet.
What significant event occurred on 12th March 1938?
German troops marched into Austria.
