Outbreak of World War 2 in Europe Flashcards
What were the weakness of the League of Nations (Failure of the disarmament process)
Disarmament was seen as the most effective step to prevent another war. Success achieved in disarmament were due to individual major European powers, and not due the league. Failure of disarmament means that powerful countries still had the military capacity for war, and there was nothing to stop them from engaging in conflicts. Some examples of individual powers trying to disarm, Washington Naval Conference and the Locarno Pact. When the League attempted to organised, the major powers refused to cooperate as they did not trust each other and wanted the ability to protect their own national interests. USA, who is not a member of the league, commanded more respect. Britain and France were severely weakened by WW1 and The Great Depression. Thus, the refused to disarm and compromise as they saw their own national interests to be more important than those of the league. General atmosphere of distrust and tension.
What were the weakness of the League of Nations (Abyssinian Crisis)
The significance of the Abyssinian Crisis was a prime example of the league’s ineffectiveness in maintaining world peace and resolving conflict. Abyssinia had common borders with British colonies and was close to Europe. However, Britain and France were allies with Italy under the Stresa Front, which was an agreement between France, Britain and Italy to reaffirm the Locarno Treaties and importance of Austria’s independence and resist any attempt by Germany to change the Treaty of Versailles. France and Britain did not want to make an enemy of Italy and its leader, Mussolini. Failure of the major powers and the league to stop Italy’s invasion made Mussolini and Hitler even bolder in their ambitions. Mussolini established the Rome-Berlin Axis with Hitler.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Withdrawal from the LON and the Geneva Disarmament Conference)
The Nazis systematic steps to abolish the Treaty of Versailles. At the Geneva Disarmament Conference, Hitler proposed that the French disarm to the level of armament that the Treaty of Versailles allowed Germany or allow Germany to rearm to the level of the French. The French naturally objected and Hitler used their objection as an excuse to withdraw from both the conference and the League. Hitler then took concrete actions to increase Germany’s military capabilities towards achieving his expansionist aims.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Conscription and rearmament)
To restore Germany’s pride and strength after the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler stepped up their secret rearmament and conscription programme. Under the terms of the treaty, Germany’s army and navy were severely limited, and they were not allowed to have an airforce. However, by 1935 Germany possessed 2,500 Luftwaffe planes a 300,000 strong army. Germany also instituted compulsory conscription and planned for an army of 550,00. At the same time, Hitler kept emphasising that he was committed to peace to allay the allies’ fear. The Allies were still stronger than Germany at this time, but due to the pacifist mood in countries such as Britain and the weakness of the League of Nations, the Allies only made verbal protest instead of imposing sanctions. Britain also signed the Anglo - German Naval Agreement with Hitler in June 1935, allowing Germany a limited build-up of its navy. Hitler was free to transform Germany into a formidable and dangerous military power. From 1936 onwards, the Germans spent great amounts on Military production.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Remilitarisation of the Rhineland)
Hitler’s confidence and his popularity amongst the German people also increased through the German remilitarisation of the Rhineland. On 7 March 1936, Hitler ordered German troops to cross the Hohenzollern Bridge and remilitarise the Rhineland. He used the Franco-Soviet Alliance as an excuse, saying that Germany is now under threat from France and Soviet Union, and should be able to protect its frontiers. Unsure of French response, Hitler ordered his troops to withdraw if attacked. The French did not respond with force. As France is about to hold elections at that time, no French politicians wanted to be seen as a warmonger. The League of Nations condemned Hitler’s action, but did nothing also as they were distracted by the Abyssinian Crisis. Hitler’s gamble paid off, and he became bolder as his standing among the German people and the army increased tremendously.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (German involvement in the Spanish Civil War)
Hitler sent soldiers, equipment and warplanes to support the Spanish Nationalist Force. German planes made devastating raids on several Spanish cities. Hitler did this to divert the Allies attention away from his expansionist plan and gave him the opportunity to test his army and airforce, while fighting against alleged communists. As Hitler expected, the League of Nations did nothing. Furthermore, Britain and France also disdained and feared communism. Hitler therefore portrayed himself as the defender of civilisation against communism. He also signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan in 1936 to make his hatred for communism public. This made the British and French less suspicious of Hitler. However, this lack of intervention also strengthened Hitler’s view that Britain and France were weak, which in turn made him even more aggressive.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (German unification with Austria)
Many people from both Austrian and Germany supported such a union, however, it was prevented due to the terms of Treaty of Versailles. It was seen by many Austrian-born Germans as contradicting the principle of Self-determination which the Allies themselves have insisted on. Hitler was stopped by Mussolini from taking over Austrian in 1934, but by 1936, both men became Allies. Hitler first encouraged the Austrian Nazis to create trouble and push for a Political Union with Germany. Hitler then pressured the Austrian Chancellor into agreeing or the demonstration and riots in Austria would not stop. The Chancellor unwilling called for a Referendum to see if the Austrian people supported a political union with Germany. Hitler sent troops into Austria, supposedly to keep order during voting. 99.75% voted for a Political Union and Austria was annexed on 13 March 1938. This was a clear violation of the terms of the Treat of Versailles, and Britain and France again did nothing. Hitler had grown even stronger without any conflict as Austria’s resources of gold and iron ore were now at his disposal, as were its army and weapons.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Czechoslovakia; Munich Agreement)
The Sudetenland area in Czechoslovakia was largely German. Under the influence of the Nazi Party leader in Sudetenland, these Germans demanded to be part of Germany, and Hitler threatened to go to war if necessary. The Czechs had a modern army and its leader, Edward Benes was willing to fight. Britain, France and Soviet Union had also promised to support them if they were attacked. However, as Britain and France were keen to avoid war, they signed the Munich Agreement with Mussolini and Hitler without consulting the Czechs and Soviets. Germany gained control of Sudetenland as Hitler promised that this will be last and will take over anymore land. Germans troops marched into Sudetenland on 1 October 1938. Hitler broke his promise and invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia on 16 March 1939. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain realised that Hitler could not be trusted. Therefore, Britain along with France warned Germany that they would go to war with Germany if he invaded Poland.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Nazi-Soviet Pact)
Hitler continued to set his sight on further expansion for Germany. He wanted to take over Poland but was afraid of a war on two fronts. Germany therefore signed a Non-Aggression Pact with Soviet Union. The terms were, lasting 10 years, promised to not attack each other and resolved any problems in a friendly manner, secret protocol also divided into Soviet and German spheres of influence, Soviet rights over the Baltic States were recognised and Poland divided between them.
What were the steps of Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Invasion of Poland)
Hitler’s invasion of Poland was the last straw that triggered WW2. Hitler demanded the ‘Free City’ of Danzig, which consist of main German to be part of Germany. He also wanted a railroad built across the Polish Corridor to connect Germany to East Prussia. However, Polish leaders distrusted Hitler and feared the loss of Poland’s independence. After Negotiations broke down, Hitler also demanded the control of the Polish Corridor. Although Britain and France did not trust Hitler, they were still willing to resume negotiations, hence convincing Hitler that Britain and France would not declare war on Germany. Hitler invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, and Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939.
Why was the Policy of Appeasement implemented (Fear of another major war)
WW1 had a huge impact on Britain and France. Both nations suffered tremendously and were not military prepared for another war of a similar scale. Public disgust towards war and The Great Depression made rearmament very difficult. Neville Chamberlain also realised that he would not have public support in a war against Germany. Lack of interest shown by British when Hitler remilitarised Rhineland and public enthusiasm for the Munich Agreement seemed to support his views.
Why was the Policy of Appeasement implemented (Weakness of League of Nations)
The main aim of League of Nations was to resolve international disputes peacefully. However, the league proved to be ineffective when it had to deal with strong, powerful countries. Thus, instead of relying on the League to act, the British adopted a policy of appeasement to satisfy Hitler and prevent the outbreak of another major war.
Why was the Policy of Appeasement implemented (Buying time to rearm)
WW1 had weakened Britain and France’s economy and military. Some historian believe that they followed an appeasement policy in part to give themselves time to rearm.
Why was the Policy of Appeasement implemented (Genuine sympathy for Germany over the Treaty of Versailles)
Many British politicians, including Chamberlain, thought that the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh on Germany. Chamberlain believed that the Hitler’s grievances of Germans in Czechoslovakia being oppressed were justified. He thought that Hitler was only granting these Germans self-determination, a key goal of the Treaty of Versailles. He believed that by giving in, he could avoid war. Some British politicians even admired Hitler and his aides, seeing him as strong and patriotic.
Why was the Policy of Appeasement implemented (Chamberlain’s misjudgment of Hitler)
Chamberlain believed that Hitler was a man who could be reasoned with and relied upon after his meeting with Hitler. He wrongly believed that Hitler’s aims were to revise Treaty of Versailles, not abolishing it. He believed that Hitler would cease making demands once he controlled Sudetenland, but he was wrong.
