Why had international peace collapsed by 1939? Flashcards
What was Hitler’s Foreign Policy?
Hitler’s Foreign Policy was a policy that aimed to destroy the terms of the TOV and to establish Lebensraum for German speakers. This policy had came into action from 1933-1939. He also wanted to achieve anschluss and annex the Sudetenland.
What was the main cause of appeasement?
The main cause of appeasement was the League’s failure’s, such as Manchuria, Abyssinia and the disarmament conference. The League’s weakness had given Hitler confidence and so Britain and France had to appease (give in) to Hitler’s demands.
Explain the events of the Saar Plebiscite.
The Saar Plebiscite, held in 1935, was a legal plebiscite that was due to be held after the Saar had been under League control for 15 years since 1919. To regain popularity in the Saar, propaganda posters were sent to the Saar to persuade them to vote to return to German rule. Because of this, the votes were in the Germans favour - 90% wanted to return to German rule. The Saar was rich in German speakers and had important railways and factories.
Explain the events of the Remilitarisation of the Rhineland.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland in 1936 was for Hitler to test whether France or any other LON country would retaliate from the violation of the TOV. In March 1936, a small amount of German troops and vehicles marched into the Rhineland with orders to retreat if any opposition was shown by France. No LON members showed opposition, hence Hitler remilitarised the Rhineland.
Explain the events of the Spanish Civil War.
The aim of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was to give his troops some combat experience and potentially gain an ally (General Franco). Hitler, along with Mussolini and Franco, won the Civil War, but Franco refused to become an ally. Key attack strategies such as Blitzkrieg were developed in the Spanish Civil War.
Explain the events of the Anschluss (Union with Austria).
The Anschluss (1938) was when Hitler had reunited with Austria, incorporating them into the Reich. Hitler had attempted this in 1934 but was warned off by Mussolini. Schussnigg had asked for help from Hitler, so Hitler had demanded terms that would turn Austria into a German-controlled state. A vote was taken and the votes were in favour of being under German-control.
Explain the events of the Munich Conference.
The Munich Conference (1938) was an attempt by Chamberlain to appease to Hitler’s needs and satisfy him. Hitler had wanted the whole of the Sudetenland, and Chamberlain ordered the British Navy and French army to mobilise. This would have caused a war, which Hitler wasn’t ready for, so he agreed for a conference to take place, where they negotiated the Sudetenland. In the end, Hitler had received most of the Sudetenland.
What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
The Nazi-Soviet Pact was a peace pact between Germany and the USSR, agreeing not to attack each other.
Why did Stalin sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
Stalin signed the pact because his relationship with Britain and France was weak. He also saw that they betrayed countries, such as Czechoslovakia. He was also afraid of his own army, so by signing the pact, he was guaranteed security and safety.
Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in September 1939?
The had declared war as Germany and the USSR had invaded Poland and refused to withdraw from Poland despite the ultimatum.
