Global expansion WW2 - Sheet1 Flashcards
(190 cards)
1
Q
- What fascist foreign policies did Mussolini pursue from the mid 1930s
A
glorification of war for its own sake, pursuit of imperial expansion, and a move away from diplomacy and cooperation.
2
Q
- What led to the Italo German agreements including the Rome Berlin Axis and pact of steel
A
He continued to assert anti-French territorial claims, but he moved away from his relatively good relationship with the British, instead fostering closer ties to Hitler’s Germany.
3
Q
- What caused the bank of Italy to collapse
A
Istituto Mobiliare Italiano in 1931, which gave financial support to banks and industries.
4
Q
- What was the result of Mussolini’s ambitious fascist policies
A
from 1936 the Italian economy was further undermined by Mussolini’s emphasis on autarky, and the costs of Il Duce’s wars.
5
Q
- What was a factor in Mussolini’s decision to invade Abyssinia
A
domestic economic factors.
6
Q
- What was the result of intervening in the Spanish civil war and invading abyssinia
A
taxes were increased, and annual budget decreased. Ultimately, the economy fell. And also had a negative political impact on the regime
7
Q
- What is the four power pact
A
it was an alternative to the league of nations which included Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Fostered cooperation between the great powers
8
Q
- What was Mussolini’s reason to oppose Anschluss
A
he always promoted independent Austria and at first supported Austria and sent help to Austria when Hitler marched his troops into Austria.
9
Q
- When was Anschluss
A
1938 Mar
10
Q
- What is the purpose of the Stresa conference
A
Italy, britain, and france met in Stresa to sign a treaty aimed to reaffirm the Locarno treaties and to confirm independence of Austria. This was called the Stresa Front to prevent any changes to European settlement
11
Q
- What impression did Mussolini get from the Stresa talks
A
Mussolini got the impression during the Stresa talks that, in working with Britain and France, he had gained their consent to expand Italian control in Abyssinia.
12
Q
- How did Britain break the Stresa principles
A
It signed the Anglo German Naval agreement with Hitler, this had been done without consulting its Stresa Front allies. This ended the Stresa agreement
13
Q
- What were the reactions of the invasion of Abyssiana by Italy
A
This action was condemned by the League of Nations and limited sanctions were imposed.
14
Q
- Who were the british and french foreign ministers
A
Samuel Hoare and Pierre laval
15
Q
- What did Britain and Italy do to maintain the Stresa front and relations with Italy with its Plans of Abyssiana
A
drew up a secret pact which would offer Italy half of Abyssinia to bring about a swift resolution to the crisis.
16
Q
- Where the Abyssinian Army defeated
A
Lake Ashangi
17
Q
- What capital did Italian soldiers took from Abyssinia
A
Addis ababa
18
Q
- What was the result of the Abyssinian invasion to Italy
A
initiated a “Mediterranean scare” which warned Italy against raising tensions with Britain. The italian victory came at a high economic price which hit the middle class hard
19
Q
- Why did Italy intervene in the Spanish civil war
A
motivated by ideology- Mussolini responded to requests for assistance from the militarist rebels to help fight against liberal democracy and socialism. He wanted to stop communism spreading in Spain. Also intended to weaken France, preventing them from gaining influence in the left win Spain. Also strengthen its position in the mediterranean
20
Q
- What were the causes of Italy intervening and putting itself into military expansion
A
economic cost had been high which led it to increase its trade with Germany, bringing it closer to Germany. Italy also sent submarine attacks on France and Britain, decreasing its relations with them and strengthening its relations with Germany drawing it closer.
21
Q
- What was a result of the Spanish civil war between Italy and Germany
A
he now committed himself to a formal alliance with Germany by signing the Rome–Berlin Axis Alliance on 25 October 1936.
22
Q
- When did Italy join the anti Comintern pact
A
1937 Nov
23
Q
- What is the anti comintern pact
A
between Germany and Japan (Nov. 25, 1936) and then between Italy, Germany, and Japan (Nov. 6, 1937), ostensibly directed against the Communist International (Comintern) but, by implication, specifically against the Soviet Union.
24
Q
- What was Italy’s role during Sudetenland
A
Mussolini stepped in as a “peacemaker” at Munich.
25
40. What was the Munich agreement
The four powers agreed to give the Sudetenland to Germany, the Czechs had to agree. Showed that Britain and france were weak
26
41. What did Mussolini do seeing the weakness of Britain and France after the Munich agreement
1938, he instructed the Italian parliament to demand the annexation of Corsica, Nice and Tunis from France.
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42. Why did Italy invade Albania
The invasion of Albania was rather meaningless as the country had been for some time a satellite state (see page 101). However, Mussolini wanted to assert Italian strength in order to imitate Hitler’s successful expansion, intimidate Yugoslavia, and pursue his ambition of dominating the Adriatic.
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43. What was the pact of steel
a pact of friendship between Italy and Germany
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44. What two parts were in the pact of steel
the first was a declaration of trust and cooperation between the two nations; the second, a secret protocol, fostered a union of military and economic policies.
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45. Why was Japan not included in the pact of steel
Japan had wanted the focus to be anti-Soviet, whereas Italy and Germany wanted the agreement aimed at Britain and France.
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46. How did Hitler break the pact of steel
by signing the Nazi- Soviet pact
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47. When did hitler invade poland
1 Sep 1939
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48. What did Mussolini do when Hitler invaded poland
He declared himself and Italy as not aggressive or engaged in a war or conflict and will not support them anymore.
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49. Why did Italy join the war in 1940
Mussolini did not want Italy to be looked down upon for staying neutral. And if Germany won, they would be cooked by Germany and its power. Also had hopes for territorial gains and control. But predominantly economic reasons as Germany was the prime buyer of Italy's food. Then Italy declared war on Britain and France
35
50. 1936
German remilitarizes Rhineland
36
51. What was Hitler’s main foreign policy goal after 1933?
To destroy the Versailles Peace Settlement and rearm Germany.
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52. What years did Hitler achieve the destruction of the Versailles Settlement? A
Between 1933 and 1938.
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53. How did Britain’s foreign policy after 1933 benefit Hitler? A
They agreed to accept German annexation of the Sudetenland and the British secured a peace pledge from Hitler
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54. Why was France unable to effectively oppose Hitler’s actions after 1933? A
France was politically divided, economically weak, and lacked support from Britain or the USA.
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55. What was the Maginot Line? A
A line of fortresses France built between 1929–1938 to defend against Germany.
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56. How did the USA’s stance affect Hitler’s foreign policy? A
The USA’s isolationism due to the Great Depression meant it didn’t intervene in European affairs, allowing Hitler more freedom.
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57. What significant event occurred at the Lausanne Conference of 1932? A
German reparation payments were effectively canceled.
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58. When did Germany withdraw from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations? A
In 1933.
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59. What was the significance of Germany withdrawing from the League of Nations?
It allowed Hitler to challenge the Treaty of Versailles without international restrictions.
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60. What was the 1934 Non-Aggression Pact with Poland?
A 10-year agreement where Germany and Poland pledged not to attack each other, weakening France’s Eastern security alliances.
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61. Why did Hitler prefer bilateral agreements over collective security pacts?
Bilateral agreements were easier to break and manipulate for Germany’s advantage.
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62. Who was Englebert Dollfuss, and what happened to him?
Austrian Chancellor assassinated in 1934 by Austrian Nazis supported by Hitler, in an attempt to force Anschluss (union with Germany).
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63. How did Mussolini react to the Austrian Nazi coup in 1934?
He mobilized 100,000 troops to Austria’s border, forcing Hitler to back down.
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64. What was the Saar plebiscite of January 1935?
A vote where the Saar region chose to reunite with Germany, boosting Hitler’s prestige.
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65. What was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935?
An agreement allowing Germany to have a navy up to 35% the size of Britain’s, undermining the Treaty of Versailles.
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66. Why did Britain sign the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?
To control German naval expansion through negotiation rather than confrontation.
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67. What was the significance of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?
It weakened the Stresa Front and signaled Britain's acceptance of German rearmament.
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68. What was the Stresa Front of 1935?
An agreement between Britain, France, and Italy to oppose German violations of the Treaty of Versailles.
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69. How did the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 affect Europe?
It violated the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact, boosting Hitler’s confidence due to the lack of French and British response.
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70. What was the Rome-Berlin Axis of 1936?
An alliance between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, strengthening their cooperation in Europe.
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71. What was the Anti-Comintern Pact of 1936?
An anti-communist alliance between Germany and Japan, later joined by Italy in 1937.
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72. What was the Anschluss of 1938?
The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany, achieved without military conflict.
58
73. How did Britain and France respond to the Anschluss?
They protested diplomatically but took no military action.
59
74. What was the Sudeten Crisis of 1938?
A crisis where Hitler demanded the Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia) be annexed to Germany due to its German-speaking population.
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75. What was the Munich Agreement of 1938?A
An agreement where Britain and France allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland to avoid war, a key example of appeasement.
61
76. Who were the key leaders at the Munich Conference of 1938?A
Adolf Hitler (Germany), Neville Chamberlain (Britain), Édouard Daladier (France), and Benito Mussolini (Italy).
62
77. What was the policy of appeasement?A
The strategy of making concessions to aggressive powers like Nazi Germany to avoid conflict.
63
78. How did Hitler’s foreign policy lead to WWII?A
His aggressive expansion, violations of treaties, and the failure of appeasement emboldened him, leading to the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the start of WWII.
64
79. What was the Pact of Steel (1939)?A
A military alliance between Germany and Italy, committing them to support each other in war.
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80. What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939?A
A non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union, with a secret protocol to divide Eastern Europe between them.
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81. Why was the Nazi-Soviet Pact significant?A
It allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, directly leading to WWII.
67
82. How did Britain and France respond to Germany’s invasion of Poland?A
They declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939.
68
83. What role did propaganda play in Hitler’s foreign policy?A
It was used to justify aggressive actions, promote nationalism, and manipulate public opinion both domestically and internationally.
69
84. What was Lebensraum?A
Hitler’s policy aiming for territorial expansion to provide “living space” for Germans, especially in Eastern Europe.
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85. What was the Hossbach Memorandum, and why is it significant in the context of WWII?
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The Hossbach Memorandum was a summary of a secret meeting held on November 5, 1937, between Adolf Hitler and his top military and foreign policy leaders. It outlined Hitler’s plans for German expansion through aggressive military actions to secure "living space" (Lebensraum) in Eastern Europe. The memorandum is significant because it revealed Hitler’s clear intentions for war, marking a shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy that ultimately led to WWII.
72
86. Who were considered untermenschen by Hitler?
Slavs, whom he viewed as racially and socially inferior.
73
87. What was the Hossbach Conference (1937)?
A secret meeting where Hitler outlined his expansionist aims, focusing on Austria and Czechoslovakia.
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88. What is Anschluss?
The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938.
75
89. When did the Anschluss occur?
March 12–13, 1938.
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90. What agreement was signed between Germany and Austria in 1936?
The Austro-German Agreement, where Germany recognized Austrian independence, and Austria agreed to align its foreign policy with Germany.
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91. Who was Arthur Seyss-Inquart?
A prominent Austrian Nazi appointed as Interior Minister under Hitler’s demands.
78
92. Who was Kurt Schuschnigg?
The Austrian Chancellor forced to resign in 1938 after Hitler’s threats.
79
93. What was the Berchtesgaden meeting (1938)?
A meeting on February 12 where Hitler bullied Schuschnigg into making pro-Nazi concessions.
80
94. Why did Schuschnigg announce a plebiscite in March 1938?
To gain public support for Austrian independence and resist Hitler’s pressure.
81
95. How did Hitler react to Schuschnigg’s plebiscite plan?
He mobilized German troops, forcing Schuschnigg to resign before the vote.
82
96. When did Hitler announce Austria’s incorporation into the Reich?
March 13, 1938, after visiting his hometown, Linz.
83
97. What percentage supported Anschluss in the April 10, 1938 plebiscite?
99% (though the results were manipulated under Nazi control).
84
98. What was the significance of Czechoslovakia in the Versailles Settlement?
It was the only successful independent state created post-Versailles, proving diverse ethnic groups could coexist.
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99. What was the Sudetenland?
A mountainous, resource-rich region in Czechoslovakia with a large ethnic German population.
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100. Who was Konrad Heinlein?
Leader of the Sudeten German Party, advocating for Sudeten autonomy, funded by Nazi Germany.
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101. What was the Karlsbad Programme (1938)?
Heinlein’s Eight Demands for Sudeten autonomy, backed by Hitler to provoke Czechoslovakia.
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102. What was the May Crisis of 1938?
False rumors of German troop movements led Czechoslovakia to partially mobilize, embarrassing Hitler.
89
103. What was Operation Green?
Hitler’s plan, announced on May 28, 1938, to destroy Czechoslovakia through military action.
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104. Why did Hitler reject the Sudeten Germans’ autonomy offer in September 1938?
He wasn’t interested in compromise; he wanted an excuse for war.
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105. Who was Edvard Beneš?
President of Czechoslovakia who conceded to Sudeten demands, which Hitler still rejected.
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106. What role did the media play in escalating tensions before Munich?
The German press spread propaganda about Czech mistreatment of Sudeten Germans to justify intervention.
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107. What was Chamberlain’s policy toward Hitler?
Appeasement—trying to avoid war by conceding to some of Hitler’s demands.
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108. What was the outcome of the Berchtesgaden meeting on September 15, 1938?
Chamberlain agreed that Sudetenland should be transferred to Germany, pending further negotiations.
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109. Why was Hitler angry at the Godesberg meeting (September 22, 1938)?
He didn’t want a peaceful resolution; he sought an excuse for war and made new demands.
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110. What were Hitler’s demands at Godesberg?
Immediate German occupation of the Sudetenland and satisfaction of Hungarian and Polish territorial claims.
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111. What was the Munich Agreement (September 29, 1938)?
A deal where Britain, France, Italy, and Germany agreed to Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland without Czech participation.
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112. Who attended the Munich Conference?
Leaders from Germany (Hitler), Italy (Mussolini), Britain (Chamberlain), and France (Daladier). Czechoslovakia was excluded.
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113. What was Mussolini’s role at Munich?
He acted as a mediator, though the proposal he presented was written by Hitler.
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114. Why did Hitler agree to the Munich Conference?
Germany wasn’t fully prepared for war, and his generals advised against immediate conflict.
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115. What happened to Czechoslovakia after Munich?
It lost the Sudetenland, its defenses, and economic stability, becoming vulnerable to further German aggression.
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116. What was the significance of the Munich Agreement?
It symbolized the failure of appeasement and emboldened Hitler’s expansionist ambitions.
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117. How did the Munich Agreement affect Britain and France’s credibility?
It weakened their authority as protectors of smaller nations and exposed their reluctance to confront Hitler militarily.
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118. What did Hitler think of Chamberlain after Munich?
He viewed him as weak and easily manipulated, increasing his confidence in future aggressions.
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119. When did Germany occupy the rest of Czechoslovakia?
March 1939, breaking the Munich Agreement.
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120. What was the reaction of Britain and France to the occupation of Czechoslovakia?
They realized appeasement had failed and began to prepare for possible war.
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121. How did the Anschluss contribute to WWII?
It demonstrated Hitler’s aggressive expansionism and the ineffectiveness of international opposition, encouraging further invasions.
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122. Why was Czechoslovakia strategically important to Hitler?
It had strong fortifications, a capable military, and valuable resources like arms factories.
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123. What were the “secret clauses” of the 1936 Austro-German Agreement?
They allowed Nazis like Seyss-Inquart to gain government positions in Austria.
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124. Why did Mussolini support Anschluss in 1938 but not in 1934?
By 1938, Mussolini was aligned with Hitler through the Rome-Berlin Axis and had less interest in protecting Austrian independence.
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125. How did the Great Depression affect the Sudeten Germans?
It fueled economic grievances, increasing support for the pro-Nazi Sudeten German Party.
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126. What was appeasement in the 1930s? A
A diplomatic policy of making concessions to avoid conflict, closely associated with Britain's foreign policy in the late 1930s, especially during the Munich Crisis of 1938.
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127. What was the Munich Crisis of 1938? A
A crisis in which Britain and France allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in hopes of avoiding war.
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128. Why did appeasement fail? A
It encouraged Hitler to make further demands, ultimately leading to World War II in 1939.
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129. How did public opinion in Britain influence appeasement? A
The horror of WWI made the public anti-war, and they believed in collective security through the League of Nations.
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130. What resolution did the Oxford Union pass in 1933? A
This House would not fight for King and Country, reflecting strong anti-war sentiment.
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131. Why did fears of aerial bombing contribute to appeasement? A
The destruction of Guernica in 1937 showed the dangers of air warfare, making British civilians fearful of future bombings.
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132. How did the League of Nations influence British policy? A
Many Britons believed in collective security, and over 400,000 supported the League of Nations Union in 1935.
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133. Why did many British politicians support appeasement regarding Germany? A
They felt the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh and that Hitler's grievances were justified.
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134. How did the fear of communism affect appeasement? A
Many conservative politicians saw communism as a greater threat than fascism and preferred to appease Hitler.
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135. Why was there no strong opposition to appeasement? A
No political party had a clear anti-appeasement stance, and Labour supported collective security but not rearmament.
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136. How did economic difficulties impact appeasement? A
Britain faced high unemployment and financial constraints, making rearmament difficult.
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137. How did the Great Depression affect Britain's military spending? A
Economic struggles led to limited military spending until 1937.
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138. Who were key figures against appeasement? A
Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Duff Cooper, and cartoonist David Low.
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139. What was Neville Chamberlain's stance on appeasement? A
He strongly believed in diplomacy and negotiation to maintain peace in Europe.
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140. Why was Britain militarily weak in the 1930s? A
It had global commitments, lacked sufficient rearmament, and faced threats from Japan, Italy, and Germany.
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141. Why did France follow Britain's policy of appeasement? A
Political instability, economic struggles, and reliance on Britain made it difficult for France to act independently.
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142. What was the Maginot Line? A
A defensive line of fortifications along France’s border with Germany, reflecting France’s defensive military strategy.
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143. Why was the League of Nations ineffective in the 1930s? A
It lacked U.S. support, had inefficient organization, and failed to stop military aggression.
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144. How did U.S. foreign policy affect international responses to aggression? A
The U.S. avoided involvement in European conflicts, passing the Neutrality Act in 1935.
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145. How did Soviet foreign policy shift in the 1930s? A
Initially hostile to the West, the USSR sought alliances against fascism but was excluded from the Munich Conference in 1938.
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146. What was the international response to Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia? A
Britain and France, seeking to appease Mussolini, failed to act decisively, weakening the League of Nations further.
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147. What was the Stresa Front? A
An agreement between Britain, France, and Italy to oppose German rearmament, which collapsed after Italy invaded Abyssinia.
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148. What was the Hoare-Laval Pact? A
A secret proposal by Britain and France to allow Mussolini to take Abyssinian territory, undermining the League of Nations.
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149. How did the Spanish Civil War influence international politics? A
It demonstrated Britain and France's unwillingness to confront fascist aggression, as Germany and Italy aided Franco.
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150. How did appeasement encourage Hitler’s aggression? A
Concessions emboldened Hitler, leading him to demand more territory, culminating in the invasion of Poland in 1939.
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151. What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact? A
A non-aggression agreement between Germany and the USSR, allowing Hitler to invade Poland without Soviet interference.
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152. What event directly led to the start of World War II? A
Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, led Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
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153. What did Neville Chamberlain famously declare after the Munich Agreement? A
Peace for our time, reflecting his belief that appeasement had prevented war.
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154. What promise did Hitler make at the Munich Conference? A
He assured Britain and France that the Sudetenland was his last territorial demand in Europe.
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155. How did Hitler break the Munich Agreement? A
In March 1939, Germany invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia, proving appeasement had failed.
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156. What promise did Britain make to Poland in 1939? A
Britain pledged to defend Poland if Germany attacked, marking the end of appeasement.
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157. Why was the Sudetenland important to Czechoslovakia? A
It was a heavily fortified, industrial region that provided defense against Germany.
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158. How did Mussolini support appeasement? A
He acted as a mediator at the Munich Conference but later allied with Hitler.
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159. Why did Chamberlain trust Hitler? A
He believed Hitler was a reasonable statesman who could be negotiated with.
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160. When did Britain start rearming? A
Britain accelerated rearmament in 1937 but was still militarily weak by 1939.
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161. Why did collective security fail in the 1930s? A
The League of Nations lacked enforcement power, and major powers acted in self-interest.
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162. What was Britain’s attitude towards Germany’s desire to reverse the Treaty of Versailles? A
Britain had sympathy for Germany's desire to reverse some aspects of the Treaty of Versailles, especially regarding military restrictions.
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163. What did Britain propose for Germany’s military in 1933? A
Britain proposed that Germany be allowed an army of 200,000 (double the Treaty’s limit), a smaller air force than France's, and a reduced French army of 200,000.
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164. What ended British and French attempts to bring Germany back into the League of Nations in 1935? A
Germany introduced conscription and already had an air force, blatantly violating the Treaty of Versailles, ending hopes of negotiation.
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165. How did Germany’s military expenditure change between 1933 and 1935? A
Germany’s military expenditure grew from 2.7 billion marks in 1933 to 8 billion marks in 1935, signaling a substantial increase in military strength.
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166. What was the Stresa Front? A
The Stresa Front was an agreement between Britain, France, and Italy to protest Germany's violation of disarmament provisions in the Treaty of Versailles and reaffirm their commitment to Austrian independence.
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167. What undermined the Stresa Front? A
Three developments
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168. What was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement? A
The agreement allowed Germany’s navy to be 35% of the size of Britain’s, permitting Germany to significantly expand its naval fleet.
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169. How did Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia affect the Stresa Front? A
Mussolini’s invasion caused the collapse of the Stresa Front, weakening the unity between Britain, France, and Italy, and emboldening Hitler.
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170. What happened when Hitler remilitarized the Rhineland in 1936? A
Hitler violated both the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties, yet there was no military opposition from Britain or France, allowing Germany to take control without resistance.
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171. Why didn’t France react to the remilitarization of the Rhineland? A
France had a caretaker government, internal divisions, and exaggerated reports of German troop strength, leading to inaction.
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172. How did Britain view Hitler’s actions in the Rhineland? A
Britain, led by Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, did not see the remilitarization as a serious threat and did not want to go to war.
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173. How did the international community respond to the Spanish Civil War?A
France and Britain agreed on a policy of non-intervention, but Germany and Italy supported Franco’s nationalist forces, and Britain’s non-intervention policy favored Franco.
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174. What was the Non-Intervention Committee?A
A group of 16 countries that pledged not to intervene in the Spanish Civil War, although key members (Germany, Italy, Soviet Union) violated the pact by sending aid.
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175. How did Britain’s policy of non-intervention impact the Spanish Civil War?A
Britain’s policy worked in favor of Franco’s nationalists, limiting aid to the Republican side, while Germany and Italy supported the Nationalists.
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176. What was the international reaction to Anschluss in 1938?A
There was limited international response. France was politically paralyzed, Italy was aligned with Germany, and Britain felt that the union of Germany and Austria was inevitable.
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177. Why didn’t France act against Anschluss?A
France was in a political crisis, and even though France had treaties with Czechoslovakia, they lacked the strength to honor them without Britain’s support.
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178. How did the League of Nations respond to Anschluss?A
The League of Nations was discredited after the Abyssinian crisis and did not address the issue of Anschluss.
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179. What was Britain’s reaction to the Anschluss?A
Britain condemned Germany's actions but considered the union of Austria with Germany as inevitable, and no further action was taken.
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180. What was the international reaction to German aggression in Czechoslovakia?A
France had treaties with Czechoslovakia but was unwilling to honor them. Both Britain and France hoped to avoid conflict and followed a policy of appeasement.
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181. What role did British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain play in the international response to Czechoslovakia?A
Chamberlain, along with France, was reluctant to confront Germany directly and preferred to negotiate, hoping to avoid war at all costs.
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182. What was Chamberlain's view on Czechoslovakia?A
Chamberlain saw Czechoslovakia as a "highly artificial" creation and believed it was ultimately unsustainable, so he didn’t consider it worth fighting for.
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183. What did Chamberlain believe he could achieve regarding the Sudetenland?A
Chamberlain believed that he could organize a peaceful, negotiated handover of the Sudetenland to Germany, aligning with Hitler’s demands.
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184. What did Chamberlain do after Hitler’s speech on 12 September 1938?A
Chamberlain decided to fly to Germany to meet Hitler, which was a radical diplomatic move at the time, marking the first 20th-century summit between world leaders.
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185. What did Hitler demand at the meeting with Chamberlain in September 1938?A
Hitler demanded that all areas of Czechoslovakia where Germans made up over 50% of the population should be handed over to Germany, supervised by an international commission.
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186. What happened during the meeting in Bad Godesberg in September 1938?A
Hitler increased his demands, asking for claims from Hungary and Poland on Czech territory and wanting to occupy the Sudetenland by 1 October 1938.
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187. How did Britain and France prepare for war in September 1938?A
Britain and France began preparing for war, with trenches being dug in London’s parks and 38 million gas masks being distributed.
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188. What was the Munich Agreement of 1938?A
The Munich Agreement allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland, with the agreement being made in a conference chaired by Mussolini, though Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union were excluded.
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189. What was Chamberlain’s famous declaration after the Munich Agreement?A
Chamberlain declared it was "peace in our time" after securing a joint declaration with Hitler that Britain and Germany would resolve disputes through negotiation, not force.
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190. How was Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement criticized?A
Critics like Winston Churchill called appeasement a "total and unmitigated disaster," and other leaders like Duff Cooper resigned in protest.
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191. What event in March 1939 led to the end of appeasement?A
Hitler’s invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 shocked Britain, making it clear that his territorial ambitions were not limited and breaking any illusions of peaceful negotiation.
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192. What was the British response to Hitler’s demands over Poland?A
On 31 March 1939, Britain guaranteed to come to Poland’s aid if it was attacked. France gave a similar assurance.
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193. What were the difficulties Britain faced in supporting Poland in 1939?A
Poland was a right-wing dictatorship, anti-Semitic, and had made deals with Japan and Italy. Providing military aid to Poland was challenging.
180
194. What were the British and French reactions to Mussolini’s invasion of Albania?A
Britain and France gave guarantees to Greece and Romania, and in May 1939, Britain negotiated an agreement with Turkey for mutual assistance.
181
195. What military measures were taken by Britain and France in 1939?A
Britain doubled its territorial army, introduced conscription in April 1939, and had nearly completed its air defense system, including radar, by the end of the year.
182
196. Why was an alliance with the Soviet Union difficult for Britain and France?A
Britain and France were reluctant to ally with the Soviet Union due to distrust, Stalin’s purges weakening the Soviet army, and fears it could alienate other Eastern European nations.
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197. What was the outcome of British and Soviet negotiations in 1939?A
Negotiations failed, as Britain and France wanted to include the Soviets in their guarantees to Poland, but Stalin demanded a mutual assistance treaty, which was rejected.
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198. How did Hitler’s invasion of Poland trigger the outbreak of war?A
On 1 September 1939, Hitler invaded Poland, and on 3 September, Britain and France issued an ultimatum to Germany. When Germany did not respond, war was declared.
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199. What happened during the "phoney war" in late 1939?A
Britain and France prepared for war, including considering aid to Finland, but failed to assist effectively. They also began laying mines in Norwegian waters, which led to Germany occupying Denmark and Norway.
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200. What was the result of the Norway campaign?A
The Allies' attempt to assist Norway was poorly planned, and they were driven out, contributing to Chamberlain’s resignation and Churchill becoming Prime Minister.
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201. What was Britain’s position during the Battle of France in 1940?A
After the fall of France, Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany. Hitler attempted a “peace offensive,” but Churchill refused to negotiate and led Britain through the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
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202. What was the significance of the U-boat campaign for Britain in 1940?A
The U-boat campaign by Germany caused significant losses to Britain, but Britain’s resolve continued as Hitler shifted focus to the Soviet Union, leading to Germany's eventual defeat.
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203. How did the USA respond to the war in 1940?A
The United States maintained an isolationist stance, though Roosevelt persuaded Congress to amend the Neutrality Acts, allowing Britain to purchase arms on a "cash and carry" basis.
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204. What were the debates about appeasement post-World War II?A
Historians debated whether appeasement caused the war, with Churchill claiming it was an unnecessary war and AJP Taylor arguing that Hitler did not have a clear foreign policy plan.
