KQ3: Why Had International Peace Collapsed By 1939? Flashcards
(15 cards)
What were Hitler’s main foreign policy plans?
Abolish the Treaty of Versailles, expand German territory to form a ‘Greater Germany’, gain Lebensraum in eastern Europe, defeat communism, and test how much he could get away with.
What measures did Hitler take to achieve German re-armament?
Started secretly, reintroduced conscription (1936), hosted a 1935 military rally, signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement (1935), expanded army, navy, and air force massively by 1939.
Why was Hitler allowed to get away with re-armament?
It began secretly; other nations were rearming; sympathy for Germany’s Versailles complaints; Britain saw a strong Germany as a buffer to Communism.
What happened in the 1935 Saar Plebiscite?
90% voted to return to Germany, boosting Hitler’s prestige. It was legal under the Treaty of Versailles.
What happened in the 1936 Remilitarisation of the Rhineland?
Germany reoccupied the Rhineland, claiming defense against the USSR-France pact; Britain and France did nothing; another major success for Hitler.
What was the Anschluss with Austria in 1938?
Germany annexed Austria; Mussolini no longer opposed it; Hitler stirred up unrest and used a manipulated plebiscite to justify the takeover.
What happened in the 1938 Sudetenland Crisis?
Hitler demanded the German-speaking Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia; Britain and France gave in at the Munich Agreement; Chamberlain claimed it meant “peace for our time.”
What happened during the 1939 invasion of the rest of Czechoslovakia?
Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia in March, breaking promises made at Munich; appeasement was clearly over.
What happened during the 1939 invasion of Poland?
Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, triggering Britain and France to declare war on 3 September.
How significant was German involvement in the Spanish Civil War (1936–39)?
It allowed Hitler to fight Communism, test his military (notably the Luftwaffe), and build ties with Mussolini.
What was the Anti-Comintern Pact (1936–37)?
An anti-Communist alliance between Germany, Japan, and later Italy, targeting Soviet influence and forming the Axis Alliance.
Why did Britain and France follow Appeasement in the 1930s?
Fear of Communism, concern over British Empire unity, desire to avoid another world war, lack of U.S. support, sympathy for Germany’s Versailles grievances, and economic struggles.
What were the criticisms of Appeasement?
It encouraged Hitler’s aggression, overtrusted his promises, allowed Germany to grow too strong, and scared the USSR—leading to the Nazi-Soviet Pact.
How can Appeasement be defended?
Britain wasn’t ready for war, public opinion supported it, it bought time to rearm, and standing up to Hitler without U.S. support was risky.
Why did Hitler and Stalin sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939?
Stalin distrusted Britain and France after the League’s failures and the Munich Agreement. The Pact gave him time to prepare for war and allowed territorial gains in Poland and the Baltics.
