C+T chapter 8 Road to War Flashcards
(27 cards)
Why did Hitler want to remilitarise the Rhineland?
In order to gain Lebensraum, Hitler had to invade other countries. This would provoke a response from England and France, so to protect himself, he needed troops on the French border (Rhineland)
What was signed in 1935 by France and the USSR?
Franco-Soviet pact to support each other if either were attacked by Germany
What was Hitler’s reaction to the Franco-Soviet Pact?
Hitler claimed to feel threatened as he had enemies on both the eastern and western fronts, he responded by marching troops into the Rhineland on 7 March 1936
When was the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
7 March 1936, Hitler marched 22000 soldiers into the Rhineland. They were greeted by civilians with flowers
What was Britain’s response to the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
They didn’t react because:
- they felt Germany had the right to protect their borders
- British troops were dealing with the Abyssinian crisis
- Great Depression had hit Britain hard and they could not afford to get involved
- many thought Hitler was reclaiming what was his
What was France’s response to the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
They didn’t react because:
- there was a general election and nobody wanted to start another war as this would lose votes
- French army was in Tunisia for the Abyssinian crisis
- French generals thought the German army was bigger and better equipped than they actually were
What was the League of Nations’ response to the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
They didn’t react because:
- they were concentrating their efforts on the Abyssinian crisis
Why was the reoccupation of the Rhineland a risk?
The German army was quite small and if France fought back, Germany would have to pay crippling fines
What were the consequences of the remilitarisation of the Rhineland?
- Hitler was confident to do what he wanted without interference from Britain and France
- Britain and France started rearming
- French and British relationship tested, they signed an agreement to strengthen Locarno Treaty
- Mussolini and Hitler signed Rome-Berlin Axis October 1936
Why was Britain a potential ally for Germany?
Hitler admired the British monarchy and in 1936 he offered a 25 years non-aggression pact
What was Britain’s response to Germany as a potential ally?
Some politicians wanted to cooperate with Hitler to avoid a war as they needed time to rearm, raise funds and convince the public, they made no official agreement
Why was Italy a potential ally for Germany?
Hitler and Mussolini had many things in common in their dictatorships, however Italy had also prevented Anschluss
What was Italy’s response to Germany as a potential ally?
The Rome-Berlin axis was formed, although not official, Mussolini and Hitler agreed to work closely
What was the impact of the Rome-Berlin axis on Italy?
Mussolini’s relationship with Britain and France suffered but he was no longer isolated in Europe and could continue building a new Roman Empire as he had an ally if war broke out
Why was Spain a potential ally to Germany?
Spain was at civil war in 1936 between Fascists led by General Franco and the democratic Republic. If Franco won, he would be Hitler’s ally, so he and Mussolini sent troops and weapons to Franco
Why did Hitler send troops and weapons to Franco in the Spanish Civil War?
- test new weapons
- test the Luftwaffe
- troops would gain experience
- if Franco won, Hitler would have an ally
- Communist USSR supported Franco’s enemies, Hitler had sworn to destroy communism and that if the Republicans won, they would turn Communist
Why was Japan a potential ally for Germany?
In 1905, Japan fought USSR and there was still hatred between them
What was Japan’s response to Germany as an ally?
Communist USSR developed the Comintern: a group to spread Communism. 25 November 1936, Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern pact to stop Communism, later joined by Mussolini
What was the relationship between Germany, Japan and Italy?
On 22 May 1939, Germany and Italy signed the Pact of Friendship and Alliance, nicknamed the Pact of Steel. Japan didn’t join until 1940 because they couldn’t agree on their priorities
Who replaced Dolfuss?
Schuschnigg in 1934, he made a deal with the Nazis for their support in return for key positions in government
What happened in January 1938 in Austria?
Police raided Austrian Nazi headquarters and found plans to overthrow Schuschnigg
When, where and why did Schuschnigg meet Hitler?
After finding plans to overthrow him in 1938, Schuschnigg met Hitler at Berchtesgaden. They agreed to appoint Nazi solicitor, Seyss-Inquart as minster for the interior with full control over the police. Nazis took roles as ministers of finance and war. Restrictions on the Nazi party were also to be lifted. If the changes were not made in three days, Hitler would invade
Why did Schuschnigg want to hold a plebiscite?
If Austrians voted against Anschluss, Hitler would lose his excuse to invade
When and why was the plebiscite for Anschluss postponed?
11 March 1938, Hitler demanded the plebiscite to be postponed, fearing Britain and France wouldn’t support him, Schuschnigg agreed. He was also forced to resign and Seyss-Inquart became chancellor. He claimed Austria was in a state of chaos and requested German help to restore peace
