causes of WW2 (europe) Flashcards
(12 cards)
German rearmament
designed to expand the size of the military and restore german glory. Was a direct breach of the TOV by introducing conscription and building the luftwaffe. Part of the nazis foreign policy of destroying the TOV
remilitarisation of the Rhineland
Direct breach of the TOV. Gave Germany access to vital industrial region that aid German rearmament plans.
Occupation of the Sudetenland
Part of Hitlers aim to unite all German speakers. Allowed Hitler to achieve aims of lebensraum
Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia
Manufactured more turmoil. Placed Germany in a strong position to expand east
Nazi-Soviet pact
Peace between the nations for 10 years. Shocking because Nazis and soviets hated each other. Guaranteed Germany wasn’t going to be fighting a two front war. Gave time to prepare for invasion of Poland. Secret split of Poland
Invasion of Poland
staggers a series of attacks on border with Poland to claim that the invasion was self defense
Response to rearmament
GB + F issue statements condemning Hitler but no sanctions. France focus on defense wit the Maginot line. Britan increase their spending on the navy
Response to remilitarisation of Rhineland
France was very angry but were unable to respond due to internal problems. Some in Britan condemned but others viewed it as Germany moving into their ‘backyard’
*Response to Sudetenland
*Chamberlin appeased him and allowed him to take the Sudetenland. He believes he had secured peace for our time by getting Hitler to agree to having no more territorial aims. (Munich Agreement)
**Response to Czechoslovakia
Realised Hitler couldn’t be negotiated with and decided to protect polish independence which would be the direct trigger for the outbreak of war. Ramp up preparations for war.
Response to nazi-soviet pact
GB+F enter an alliance
Response to invasion of Poland
British issued an ultimatum demanding Germany withdraw its troops, Germany ignored and Britan declared war 3rd of September
