Policy of Appeasement Flashcards
How could the war have perhaps been avoided?
If all of the leaders of other powerful countries had stopped Hitler sooner.
What did countries like Britain and France do?
Little to stand up to Hitler during the 1930s. Some historians argue that these countries must share part of the blame for the start of the war.
Who was the leader of Britain at the time?
In 1938, Britain had a new Prime Minister - Neville Chamberlain.
What were Chamberlain’s biews on war?
He had lived through the horrors of the First World War and he was determined to do everything he could to stop another one.
What did Chamberlain say?
In 1938 he said:
“When I think of those four terrible years of the First World War, and I think of the seven million young men who were killed, the thirteen million who were maimed and mutilated, I feel it is my duty to strain every nerve to avoid a repetition of the First World War.”
What did Chamberlain think was the best way to avoid war?
To follow a policy of appeasement towards Hitler.
What does it mean to appease someone?
You decide to give them most of what they want to keep them happy. You hope that they will be satisfied and will stop making even more demands.
How did Chamberlain deal with Hitler’s demands over Czechoslovakia?
He used appeasement in 1938. When Hitler demanded the Sudentsnland it looked like a war was bound to start. But in September Chamberlain arranged a last-minute meeting with Hitler in Munich.
What happened at the end of the meeting?
The two leaders signed the famous Munich agreement.
What did the Munich agreement state?
That Germany could have the Sudetenland as long as Hitler would stop demanding more territory.
What did Britian and Chamberlain think of the Munich agreement?
Chamberlain returned to a hero’s welcome in London. Chamberlain believed that this guaranteed ‘peace in our time’.
Did Chamberlain succeed in guiding the world into peace?
No
What did Britain and France do about Nazi troops invading the rest of Czechoslovakia?
Nothing
What did this lead Hitler to do?
He was encouraged by the fact he had been allowed to get away with things once again. He now sent his troops into Poland.
What did Britain and France do after the invasion of Poland?
They declared war on Germany.
What do people argue about about appeasement?
It failed but historians argue about whether Chamberlain was right to have tried this policy at the time.
What are some arguments against appeasement?
It was a major mistake. It gave Hitler the idea that he could continue to do as he liked in Europe.
Appeasement gave Hitler an i portant advantage. He had more time to re-arm before invading Poland.
What are some arguments for appeasement?
It was necessary as Britain needed time to re-arm and be ready for a full-scale war.
Appeasement was popular as many people in Britain were more scared of the spread of communism than they were of the Nazis. A strong Germany was a barrier against the expansion of the Soviet Union.
Appeasement was a reasonable policy as the Treaty of Versailles had been very harsh on Germany by taking away land and resources.
