Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?

Question 1

What was Hitler’s foreign policy aims?

Answer 1

• Destroy the ToVs –> disarmament clauses would be broken by rearming since 1933( 36 divisions, 550,000 men, military airforces (Lufftwaffe) was introduced) and reintroducing conscription in 1936. Lost territory would be regained. The Rhineland was militarized for Germany’s western frontier defense
• Create Lebensraum for a Reich –> Hitler believed the all German-speaker would be brought in to the Reich and unite under the rule of Nazi Germany. German’s border would be extended to cover these areas populated with German-speakers mostly eastwards. (Austria, Sudetenland, Poland(polish corridor). this means more land for the growing population and cultivation.
• Destroy Communism –> Germany would be drawn into conflict with Soviet Russia (2 opposite ideologies).
• Create a greater Germany –> growing population and gain territories.
• Create a Central European Empire –> Once Hitler had achieved all of this, he would be master of a new Central European empire, the most powerful state in Europe.

Question 2

When and what was the Rearmament rally?

Answer 2

in 1935 Hitler held a rally the showcases Germany’s rearmed military and army with 550,000 men, 36 divisions and military airforces (Lufftwaffe) was introduced. This would boost up German’s pride and show how they are powerful and armed for war. This howver, is a violation to the TOVs as he states no more men than 100,000 and no aircraft was allowed.

Question 3

When and what was the Saar Plebiscite?

Answer 3

13th Jan 1935, Hitler held a plebiscite to vote on who should control the Saarland that was taken away from Germany in the TOVs. 90% voted that they support Hitler to gain it back –> Hitler wanted this as they gained a good coal source as well as proving how German-speakers were happy uniting under the Nazi’s watch.

Question 4

When and what was the Rhineland remilitarised?

Answer 4

7th March1936, Hitler marched 22,000 men into the Rhineland which states on the TOVs to be demilitarised. Hitler gained confidence from this as before victory, he gambled his way and told his troops to pull back if France or Belgiums resist.

Question 5

When and what was the Anti-Comintern Pact?

Answer 5

Jan 1936, the pact was signed between Japan and Germany to fight against communism. Japan’s military was a great benefit for Hitler.

Later on, in 1937 Italy also joined the pact which is the formation of the Axis (Japan, Germany & Italy)

Question 6

When and what was the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 6

1936 - 1939. Hitler and Mussolini support General Franco’s side and USSR supported the Elected republican Government.

• Good opportunity to become in good terms and with Mussolini and Franco to form (the 3 facist power) if im not then
  -fighting against the USSR