Why did war break out in 1939? #3d Flashcards
(45 cards)
What did Hitler do after the Munich Agreement that increased tensions?
He invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, breaking his promises and showing he would expand by force.
How did Chamberlain respond to Hitler’s aggression?
He warned Hitler against further aggression but Britain was militarily unprepared.
What was the ‘Ten Year Rule’ and its effect?
It was the assumption there’d be no major war for 10 years, leading to major defense cuts after WWI.
How much did Britain’s military budget shrink under the Ten Year Rule?
From £766 million in 1919–20 to £102 million in 1931–32.
Why was rearmament slow at first?
The Great Depression made large defense budgets politically and economically difficult.
What threat did the DRC warn of by 1936?
A likely war with Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Why was the Defense Requirements Sub-Committee (DRC) created in 1934?
To address growing defense weaknesses.
What happened to the initial £75 million defense plan?
It was cut to £50 million over 10 years.
By 1936, what country became the main focus of British rearmament?
Germany.
How was the RAF modernized?
With Spitfires and Hurricanes.
What additions were made to the Royal Navy?
New battleships, cruisers, and aircraft carriers were built (exact numbers not specified).
What was Britain’s strategy alongside rearmament?
Continued appeasement, hoping to deter Hitler through negotiation.
What was the state of the British army before 1939?
It remained underdeveloped with few modern weapons and tanks.
What military preparations were made by 1939?
Increased production of anti-aircraft guns and radar; a British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was created to defend France
How did Britain’s military strength compare to Germany’s in 1939?
Britain had far fewer military resources, making it weaker overall.
What triggered Britain to guarantee Poland’s independence?
Hitler’s occupation of Czechoslovakia and intentions to target Poland next.
What was the British guarantee to Poland?
A military commitment to support Poland if Germany attacked, marking the end of appeasement.
Why did Hitler target Poland?
He wanted Danzig and the Polish Corridor, citing ethnic and strategic importance.
How did Hitler react to Britain’s guarantee to Poland?
He dismissed it, believing Britain and France wouldn’t act.
What was the criticism of the British guarantee?
Some, like Duff Cooper, argued it could drag Britain into a war over a distant issue.
How did Poland respond to Hitler’s demands?
Poland refused to negotiate, encouraged by British backing.
What steps did Britain take after guaranteeing Poland?
Introduced conscription (Military Training Act) and sought alliances.
Why did talks with the USSR fail?
Due to Poland’s distrust of Soviet intentions and Chamberlain’s distrust of communism.
What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
A non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
