The Saarland Flashcards
Basis
According to the ToV, the Saarland would be taken away from Germany for 15 years and all of its profits would go to France while it was held as a League mandate.
What was the Saarland?
It was a valuable 30-mile wide coal mining region.
What happened in 1935?
A plebiscite was held in the Saarland to decide its future. This was planned at the ToV.
Why was Hitler worried?
He might not win the referendum.
What was the result?
The Nazis won by a landslide of 90% majority. This was partially thanks to Hitler’s minister of propaganda, Josef Goebbels who had campaigned tirelessly for the cause.
Why was this a victory for Hitler?
It gave him economic strength and furthermore, he had obtained it without violence! It also legitimised his claims that ethnic Germans wanted to live in a greater German state.
