The Sudetenland Flashcards
Who was the leader of Czechoslovakia?
Edvard Benes
Why was Benes horrified at in March 1938?
Anschluss now meant Czechoslovakia was surrounded on THREE fronts
What did Benes predict in March 1938?
That Czechoslovakia would be next on Hitler’s list of countries to annex (take over)
What does Reich mean?
- German for ‘empire’
- Hitler wanted to build a ‘Thousand Year Reich (Empire)’
What made Benes even more nervous than Anschluss?
- The fact that neither Britain and France had done anything to prevent Anschluss.
- Benes was worried they also would not act to prevent a German takeover of Czechoslovakia
What agreement did Czechoslovakia have with France?
A treaty which obliged France to defend Czechoslovakia if it was invaded
Although the British did not have a treaty with Czechoslovakia, why did they feel obliged to support the Czechoslovaks?
The British felt obliged to support the French
After Anschluss, what had Hitler told Chamberlain?
‘Czechoslovakia has nothing to fear from the Reich’
Was Hitler telling the truth when he said, ‘Czechoslovakia has nothing to fear from the Reich’?
No. He was lying.
Why did Hitler have designs (his eyes) on Czechoslovakia?
The country - created by the Treaty of Versailles - included a large number of Germans, mostly in the Sudetenland.
Approximately how many German-speakers lived in the Sudetenland?
3 million
Who was the leader of the Nazi Party in the Sudetenland?
Konrad Henlein
What did Konrad Henlein, leader of the Sudeten Nazis, demand in May 1938?
That the Sudetenland become part of Germany
After Henlein’s announcement in May 1938 (that the Sudentenland should be part of Germany) what did Hitler declare?
That he was prepared to fight Czechoslovakia if necessary
When Hitler declared in May 1938 that he might invade Czechoslovakia, what was the reaction around Europe?
The news put Europe on full alert
Why was the Sudetenland a key military asset for Czechoslovakia?
- It contained forts, railways and industry.
- If Czechoslovakia lost this, she would be basically defenceless.
Why was Czechoslovakia a different military prospect compared with Austria? (3)
- Britain, France and the USSR had promised support
- Benes, the Czech leader, was prepared to fight
- The Czechs had a modern army
What happened through the summer (May-August) around Europe?
Tensions rose as people expected war
Why were people particularly nervous in the summer of 1938 about bombing?
The Spanish Civil War suggested a European war would bring similar CIVILIAN bombing raids
In the summer of 1938, what happened around Britain?
People and local government started digging air raid shelters
When did the problem of Czechoslovakia reach its crisis point?
In September 1938
Throughout the summer of 1938, what had many people in Europe expected?
War to break out
Who was Prime Minister of Britain in 1938?
Neville Chamberlain
What did Chamberlain do in mid-September 1938 when the Czechoslovakia problem reached crisis point?
He flew personally to meet Hitler
When did Chamberlain first meet Hitler
15 September
Where did Chamberlain first meet Hitler on 15 September 1938?
Berchtesgaden (BERCH TES GADEN)
Where was Berchtesgaden?
- In the mountains of Bavaria (South Germany).
- Hitler’s retreat - the Berghof - was located there.
How did the first meeting, at Berchtesgaden, appear to go?
Generally well
What was agreed at Berchtesgaden? (2)
- That all areas with of the Sudetenland with 50% + (i.e. a majority) Germans would be handed over to Germany.
- This was subject to approval by the British, French and Czech governments.
Why did the points agreed on 15 Sept at Berchtesgaden not end up being the final agreement?
On 22 September (approx. one week after the first meeting) at a second meeting at Bad Godesburg (GOD - ES - BURG), Hitler changed his mind and demanded all of the Sudetenland.
After the meeting at Berchtesgaden on 15 September, what did the French and British do?
A few days later (19 Sept.) they presented Hitler’s demands to the Czechs.
When Hitler demanded all of the Sudetenland at the 2nd meeting at Bad Godesburg, what did Chamberlain do?
Told Hitler his demand were unreasonable and flew home to prepare Britain for war
After the Bad Godesburg meeting, which parts of the British and French armed forces were mobilised?
The British navy and the French army
How did Hitler justify his demands at Bad Godesburg?
He claimed the Czech government was mistreating Germans in the Sudetenland
Why did Hitler agree to a third meeting at Munich?
He realised that he was on the brink of a European war, for which Germany was (probably) not yet ready.
