Changing diplomatic alignments in Europe

Question 1

Locarno treaty

Answer 1

1925 - The Locarno treaty sought to create peaceful relations among former aggressors Germany, France and Belgium who promised not to use force against one another in 1925. (Hitler repudiated the Treaty and ordered the German armed forces into the demilitarised Rhineland in 1936)

Question 2

Germany joined the LON

Answer 2

1926 -Germany gained ability to partake in international diplomacy and influence LON decisions.

Question 3

Kellogg-Briand pact

Answer 3

1928 - Kellogg-Briand pact involved 15 countries, including Germany, who promised to renounce the use of force to achieve national objectives.

Question 4

Germany withdrew from the LON and disarmament conference

Answer 4

1933 - Hitler resigned from the LON in October 1933

Question 5

Non-Aggression Pact with Poland

Answer 5

1934 - Was signed as Hitler often spoke on his desire for peace, however this was also viewed as an example of the deceptiveness of Nazi policy. (Germany would expand into Poland in the future but was not in the position to at the time – pact was of political and propaganda value)

Question 6

Anglo-German Naval Treaty

Answer 6

1935 - Signed with Britain as Britain wanted to avoid another naval race + meant the end of the military clauses of the TOV.

Question 7

Rome - Berlin Axis

Answer 7

1936 - An alliance between Nazi Germany and fascist Italy which united them both politically and militarily. It facilitated coordinated military aggression, division of Europe and the outbreak and escalation of war.

Question 8

Anti-Comintern Pact (with Japan and then Italy)

Answer 8

1936 - Pact was an agreement aimed at opposing the communist international that was led by the Soviet Union. (Military and political alliance against the Soviet Union.

Question 9

Spanish Civil War alliances

Answer 9

1936 - 1939: Spanish civil war was fought between the Nationalist and the Republicans. The nationalist received military support from Nazi Germany and fascist Italy while the republicans were backed mainly by the Soviet Union. (became a proxy conflict)

Question 10

Pact of steel

Answer 10

1939 - The third Reich established the pact of steel with Italy (solidified the axis partnership + heightened tensions in Europe)

Question 11

Non-Aggression Pact with Soviet Union

Answer 11

1939 - Established Soviet and German spheres of influence in eastern Europe. It recognised Estonia, Latvia and Bessarabia as falling within the Soviet sphere. The signatories agreed to divide Poland along the line of Narev, Vistula and San Rivers.