Hitlers foreign policy Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was the rearmament policy initiated by Germany in 1933?
Germany began to secretly and then openly rebuild its military forces, violating the Treaty of Versailles
This included reintroducing conscription in 1935 and expanding the Luftwaffe and navy.
Why did Hitler pursue rearmament?
To reverse the Treaty of Versailles, strengthen Germany, reduce unemployment, and prepare for future expansion and war.
What significant change in unemployment occurred by 1939 due to rearmament?
Unemployment dropped from 6 million in 1933 to under 1 million by 1939.
What was the significance of the reoccupation of the Rhineland in March 1936?
German troops marched into the demilitarized Rhineland, violating the terms of Versailles and the Locarno Pact.
What were Hitler’s motivations for reoccupying the Rhineland?
To test the responses of Britain and France, protect Germany’s western border, and boost Nazi support by defying Versailles.
What was the outcome of the reoccupation of the Rhineland?
France did not act without British support, and Britain did not intervene, viewing it as Germany’s own land.
What was the Anschluss with Austria in March 1938?
The union of Germany and Austria into one country, forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles.
Why did Hitler pursue the Anschluss with Austria?
To unite all German-speaking people, exploit Austria’s economic weakness, and due to his own Austrian heritage.
What evidence indicated the Anschluss was manipulated?
A referendum showed 99% support for union, which was clearly rigged.
What was the Sudetenland Crisis in September 1938?
Hitler demanded the Sudetenland, a German-speaking region in Czechoslovakia, and Britain and France conceded at Munich.
What were Hitler’s reasons for demanding the Sudetenland?
To protect German minorities, weaken Czechoslovakia, and take advantage of Britain and France’s appeasement.
What was the Munich Agreement?
The agreement on 29 September 1938 that handed the Sudetenland to Germany.
What happened during the occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939?
Germany took over the rest of Czechoslovakia without any claim to the land or its people.
Why did Hitler occupy Czechoslovakia?
To demonstrate that he wanted more than just uniting Germans and for strategic expansion in preparation for war.
What did the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 1939 entail?
A non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the USSR, secretly agreeing to divide Poland between them.
Why did Hitler sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
To avoid a two-front war, gain freedom to attack Poland, and allow the USSR time to prepare.
What was the invasion of Poland and its significance?
Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 using Blitzkrieg tactics, leading Britain and France to declare war.
What were the key tactics used by Germany during the invasion of Poland?
Blitzkrieg tactics (lightning war).
What did Hitler hope to achieve with the invasion of Poland?
To reclaim Danzig and the Polish Corridor and as part of his long-term plan for Lebensraum.
