Key topic 3: The lead up to WW2 (1936-39) Flashcards
Know what Hitler initially wanted and why they each caused tension Know how different countries viewed Hitler How Hitler defied ToV in 1930s Why Appeasement was used and its flaws Soviet- Nazi Pact Polish invasion led to WW2
What six things did Hitler want?
Rip up the Treaty of Versailles
Rearm Germany
Lebensraum (living space)
Volkdeutsche (people with German blood)
Anschluss
Destroy communism
Why was Hitler’s desire to rip up the Treaty of Versailles a cause of tension?
He was very open about disobeying the Treaty of Versailles and there was anger and worry with the big three, who didn’t want Germany to start another war.
How did Hitler’s desire to rearm Germany cause tension?
He believed Germany would need a large army because he wished to return Germany to its former glory. To do this he was willing to break the army clauses of the Treaty of Versailles, causing tension as the big three suspected he would use violence in order to regain territory and power for Germany
How did Hitler’s belief of Volkdeutsche cause tension?
Hitler wanted to create a greater Germany for all of German descent and his belief would put countries with high German population at risk and worry of invasion.
How did Hitler’s belief of Lebensraum cause tension?
Hitler promised to regain lost German territory and so was actively causing conflict by invading other countries.
How did Hitler’s desire for Anschluss cause tension?
The unification of Austria and Germany was banned in the Treaty of Versailles and the last time it had occurred World War One had broken out so, with Hitler wanting to reinstate it, caused great tension as people remembered what happened last time. Also tension between Austria and Germany because Austria wanted to keep its independence.
How did Hitler’s desire to destroy communism lead to a decrease in tension and yet also an increase?
It was Hitler’s most popular policy, except with the USSR, and Germany offered a buffer between the big three and the USSR, so Hitler got away with a lot, as the big three were more scared of communism than of fascism. This led with decreasing tension as they appeased Hitler however, an overall increase in tension as Hitler became bolder and bolder with each of his moves, knowing he wouldn’t be stopped.Of course, direct tension between Hitler and USSR.
When was Hitler born and where and how did he feel about the Armistice ending World War One?
Hitler was born in 1894 with no particular talent and he was an art school reject he was born in Austria and went into the German army in World War One and felt betrayed when the German government signed the Armistice.
How did Britain initially view Hitler?
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain enacted a policy of appeasement with Hitler, which people like Churchill thought was a mistake, because people still remembered the horrors of World War One and so we’re keen to avoid another conflict and they were also initially worried about Germany starting another war however, they calmed after the Polish Peace Act was signed by Hitler in 1937. They hoped that Germany would be a powerful buffer against the USSR but despite this, Britain still signed the Stresa Front with France and Italy in 1935, promising to unite against Hitler.
How did France initially feel about Hitler?
Francis government couldn’t focus on Hitler due to the Great Depression with people rebelling against the government they simply couldn’t afford to act or worry about Hitler.
How did the USSR initially feel about Hitler?
Joseph Stalin, the leader of the USSR, was weary of both communist hating Hitler and capitalist nations however, relations improved in 1934 when the USSR joined the League of Nations. In May 1935 the Treaty of Mutual Assistance was signed with France and still recovering from the civil war, they saw it worthwhile working with capitalist nations to stop Hitler’s eastern expansion.
How did the USA initially view Hitler?
The USA followed a policy of isolation and focused on creating jobs for the 25% of the population who were unemployed.
1934 a poll published revealed that 70% of Americans regretted the USA’s part in World War One and would not want to be in another war.
In 1936 an election took place and at Franklin D Roosevelt promised to keep America out of Europe’s affairs and so the USA quietly watched Hitler and started preparing armed forces.
How did Hitler cause tension in 1933?
The League of Nations held disarmament conference between 1932 and 1934
Hitler said he would disarm as long as others did too
If others would not, he wanted an army equal to France’s army but France said no
Their refusal gave Hitler excuse to leave the League of Nations
He claimed that France was unreasonable and now didn’t have to work against war.
How did Hitler cause tension in 1934?
Germany had ruled over Austria for 600 years and they felt that they should be one country, so hated the banned Anschluss in the Treaty of Versailles
When Austrian chancellor, Dollfuss, refused to Hitler’s union of Austria and Germany, he banned the Austrian Nazi party and was killed by Austrian Nazis
However, the Austrian army still supported the government and Mussolini’s army was at the border of Austria and stopped Germany from invading
Hitler saw his army was not strong enough yet.
What did Hitler do on the 13th of January 1935?
The Saar loan of 15 years by the Treaty of Versailles would soon end and so, a plebiscite was held to decide who the land should go to.
90% wanted it to go to Germany and Hitler uses for propaganda
Hitler gained rich coal fields that he could use to power his rearmament.
What was the Stresa Front?
In April 1935, an agreement between Britain France and Italy was made to honour the Lorcano treaty, protect Austrian independence and work together to stop Hitler breaking the Treaty of Versailles however, Hitler was unconcerned about this agreement.
How did rearmament in March 1935 cause tension?
At the Freedom of Rearm Rally, Hitler showed off his secret weapons and troops and announced the re introduction of conscription by 1936, he expanded his army to 1,000,000 and also built the Luftwaffe (Air Force)
This marks the fact that Hitler could openly defy the Treaty of Versailles without anyone stopping him.
How did Hitler defy the Treaty of Versailles in June 1935?
People in Britain now felt the Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh
An agreement was signed with Hitler and Britain that Germany could build a Navy 35% of Britain’s
It was too good an offer to decline with Germany recognising Britain’s naval superiority
Britain also allowed 43% of the number of submarines to be built
Hitler saw this as Britain admitting the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh and so he felt he could ignore it
This was called the Anglo-German Naval Agreement and Britain hasn’t consulted France or Italy before signing it
The Treaty of Versailles army terms we’re now officially dead.
Who replaced dollfus in 1934?
Schuschnigg became the new Austrian Chancellor
What did the new Austrian chancellor agree to do?
Schuschnigg agreed to give Nazis key governmental roles
What was found in Austria in 1938 January?
plans were found that of Austrian Nazis overthrowing the government and huge demonstrations against the government led by Austrian Nazis
What did Schuschnigg do after plans were found of government overthrow by Austrian Nazis?
He went to Berchtesgaden and had a meeting with Hitler and his three generals that he brought, showing that he was being aggressive, and the Austrian Chancellor said little, agreeing to Hitler’s terms.
