Remilitarisation of the Rhineland Flashcards
Where was the Rhineland?
The Rhineland was the large area either side of the River Rhine that formed Germany’s western border with France and Belgium.
What did Hitler do in March 1936?
He took his first massive risk by moving troops into the Rhineland.
What was one of the purposes of the demilitarisation of the Rhineland in the TOV?
To protect France from invasion from Germany and it had been accepted by Germany in the Locarno Treaties (1925)
Why was remilitarisation such a huge gamble that Hitler was taking?
- If he’d been forced to withdraw, he would have faced humiliation and would have lost the support of the German army (many of the generals were unsure about him anyway)
- He knew the risks, but he’d chosen the time and place well
What two countries had recently signed a treaty and why?
France and the USSR to protect each other against attack from Germany.
What did Hitler claim from this treaty between France and the USSR?
Hitler used the treaty to claim that Germany was under threat, arguing that in the face of such a threat he should be allowed to place troops on his own frontier.
What country was Hitler concerned about?
France as he was fairly confident that Britain wouldn’t intervene (as British people felt that he had a right to station his troops in the Rhineland)
How was Hitler and his generals feeling when troops moved into the Rhineland?
They were sweating nervously!
What would happen to the troops in the Rhineland if the French acted against them?
Hitler had given those troops orders to pull out if this occurred because despite the rearmament programme, Germany’s army was no match for the French army.
What did the German army lack?
Essential equipment and air support but Hitler’s luck held.
What was the LON’s attention on?
The Abyssinian Crisis which was happening at the exact same time!
What did the League do about the situation with Hitler’s behaviour?
They condemned Hitler’s actions but didn’t have the power to do anything else.
How did France feel about this ordeal?
- Even they were divided over what to do
- None of the French leaders were prepared to take responsibility for plunging France into a war
- However, they didn’t know how weak the German army was
- In the end, France refused to act without British support and Hitler’s big gamble paid off
