Section C - Germany Flashcards
What were the initial interpretations of the causes of WWII?
Initially, the Treaty of Versailles and failures of diplomacy were blamed. A.J.P. Taylor argued Hitler was an opportunist, not following a grand plan, while Fritz Fischer emphasized Germany’s long-term aggressive aims.
What were the attitudes and policies of Britain towards Germany pre-WWII?
Britain pursued appeasement, seeking to avoid another war; it tolerated German rearmament and expansion to a degree, underestimating Hitler’s ambitions.
What were the attitudes and policies of France towards Germany pre-WWII?
France was more cautious and desired a strong Germany buffer, but political instability limited its ability to act decisively against German aggression.
What were the attitudes and policies of Italy towards Germany pre-WWII?
Italy initially opposed Germany’s ambitions but later aligned with Hitler under Mussolini, forming the Rome-Berlin Axis in 1936.
What were the attitudes and policies of the USSR towards Germany pre-WWII?
The USSR was wary of Hitler, eventually signing the Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939, allowing Germany to invade Poland without Soviet interference.
What were the attitudes and policies of the USA towards Germany pre-WWII?
The USA followed isolationist policies and avoided European entanglements, focusing on internal recovery during the Great Depression.
What was Aryan racial theory and how did it drive Nazi foreign policy?
The theory held Germans as a ‘master race’ destined to dominate others; it fueled expansionism, Lebensraum policy, and harsh treatment of Slavs and Jews.
What was the First and Second Reich?
The First Reich was the Holy Roman Empire (800–1806); the Second Reich was the German Empire under the Kaisers (1871–1918).
How did politicians and the army respond to the Treaty of Versailles?
They strongly opposed it, calling it a ‘Diktat’, and many sought its revision or complete dismantlement during the Weimar years.
Why did Britain and France turn a blind eye to German rearmament?
They feared another war, believed the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh, and saw Germany as a buffer against communism.
What concepts underpinned Hitler’s approach to foreign policy?
Lebensraum, anti-communism, Aryan supremacy, overturning Versailles, and restoring German greatness shaped Hitler’s expansionist agenda.
What evidence suggests Hitler did intend war?
Hitler’s speeches, Mein Kampf, the Hossbach Memorandum, and consistent aggression point to a long-term plan for conflict.
What evidence suggests Hitler did not intend war?
Some argue he reacted to opportunities and misread the West’s willingness to respond militarily, especially over Poland.
Why did Hitler invade Poland?
To gain Lebensraum, reverse Versailles, and test Allied resolve. The Nazi-Soviet Pact enabled the move without Soviet interference.
What was the Stufenplan?
Hitler’s ‘stage plan’ for expansion: rearm, secure alliances, conquer Eastern Europe, and then dominate Europe.
What was the Nazi 25-point programme?
A 1920 manifesto outlining Nazi goals: rejecting Versailles, uniting Germans, expanding territory, and emphasizing racial purity.
How did the League of Nations contribute to the causes of WWII?
It failed to stop aggression in Manchuria and Abyssinia, showing weakness and encouraging dictators like Hitler.
How did international ideologies contribute to WWII?
Communism vs. fascism tension, appeasement, and nationalism undermined cooperation and encouraged authoritarian aggression.
How did the international economy and domestic German issues lead to WWII?
The Great Depression destabilized Germany, increased support for Hitler, and made countries more inward-looking and less cooperative.
What was the Stufenplan?
A step-by-step foreign policy plan outlined by Hitler aiming for territorial expansion in phases, culminating in global conflict.
What were the main ideas of Hitler’s foreign policy?
Lebensraum, overturning Versailles, uniting all Germans, and racial domination.
What was A.J.P. Taylor’s argument on WWII?
He argued Hitler was an opportunist, not planning a general war, and followed traditional German goals.
What did Fischer argue about WWII causes?
That Germany had long-term expansionist aims and Hitler’s war was intentional and ideologically driven.
Why did Britain and France appease Hitler?
War-weariness, economic troubles, fear of communism, and belief that Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh.
