How far was Hitler’s foreign policy to blame for the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939? Flashcards
(18 cards)
What were Hitler’s main foreign policy aims?
To overturn the Treaty of Versailles, unite all German-speaking people, expand Germany’s territory (Lebensraum), and destroy communism.
How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to long-term tensions in Europe?
It imposed harsh terms on Germany, which created resentment, economic hardship, and a desire to revise or destroy the treaty.
How did Hitler’s rearmament programme contribute to the outbreak of war?
It broke the Treaty of Versailles, showing Germany’s growing military strength and intention to expand through war.
What was the Saar plebiscite (1935), and how did it benefit Hitler?
The people of the Saar voted to return to Germany from League control, boosting Hitler’s popularity and giving him a strategic region.
What was the remilitarisation of the Rhineland (1936), and why was it a significant step?
Hitler sent troops into the Rhineland, which had been demilitarised by the Treaty of Versailles. It was a direct challenge to the League of Nations, and no country intervened, emboldening Hitler.
What was the Rome–Berlin Axis, and how did it affect the international situation?
A military alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, strengthening Hitler’s position and increasing European tensions.
What was the Anti-Comintern Pact (1936–37), and which countries were involved?
A pact between Germany, Italy, and Japan aimed at opposing communism, particularly the Soviet Union. It further aligned the Axis powers.
How did German and Italian involvement in the Spanish Civil War help Hitler?
It provided Hitler an opportunity to test his military strategies, support his fascist ally Francisco Franco, and deepen his alliance with Mussolini.
What was the Anschluss with Austria (1938), and why was it significant?
The unification of Austria with Nazi Germany, which violated the Treaty of Versailles but was popular with many Austrians. It demonstrated Germany’s growing power and expansionist aims.
What was the Sudetenland crisis, and how did it lead to the Munich Agreement (1938)?
Hitler demanded the Sudetenland, a German-speaking region of Czechoslovakia. France and Britain agreed to allow Germany to take it in exchange for a promise of no further expansion (appeasement).
What were the consequences of the Munich Agreement?
It gave Hitler the Sudetenland, but he later broke his promise and took the rest of Czechoslovakia, showing that appeasement had failed.
How did Hitler’s actions in Czechoslovakia lead to further tension in Europe?
The occupation of Czechoslovakia broke the Munich Agreement, and Britain and France realized that appeasement had failed and could no longer trust Hitler.
What was the Nazi–Soviet Pact (1939), and how did it help Hitler?
A non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union, which allowed Hitler to invade Poland without worrying about a two-front war. It also secretly divided Poland between the two countries.
Why was the Nazi–Soviet Pact important for the outbreak of war?
It gave Hitler the confidence to invade Poland, knowing that the USSR would not intervene. This paved the way for World War II.
Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in September 1939?
Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Britain and France had guaranteed to protect Poland’s borders, so they declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939.
Was the policy of appeasement justified?
Supporters argued it was needed to avoid war, as Britain and France were unprepared and the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh. Critics said it encouraged further aggression and allowed Hitler to grow stronger.
How far was Hitler’s foreign policy to blame for the outbreak of World War II?
Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy, including rearmament, territorial expansion, and breaking international agreements, was the main cause. However, the failure of appeasement, the League of Nations, and the Treaty of Versailles also contributed.
