Summary
Britain and France declared war on Germany in September 1939 because Hitler's invasion of Poland violated their guarantee to defend Polish independence, marked the final failure of appeasement, and threatened the balance of power in Europe.
- Treaty of Versailles — peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing harsh terms on Germany.
Example: It included war guilt, reparations, and territorial losses. - Nazi–Soviet Pact — a non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Example: It secretly divided Poland between the two countries. - Appeasement — policy of making concessions to dictatorial powers to avoid conflict.
Example: Britain and France allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland. - Guarantee to Poland — a promise by Britain and France to defend Polish independence.
Example: It was issued after Germany occupied Czechoslovakia. - Invasion of Poland — Germany's military attack on Poland in September 1939.
Example: It began on 1 September 1939 and led to Britain and France declaring war.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Treaty of Versailles
- Nazi–Soviet Pact
- Appeasement
- Guarantee to Poland
- Invasion of Poland
Common Confusions
- Believing appeasement was a sign of weakness rather than a strategic delay
- Misunderstanding the Nazi–Soviet Pact as an alliance rather than a non-aggression agreement
Typical Exam Questions
- Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in 1939?
Because Hitler's invasion of Poland violated their guarantee to Poland and marked the end of appeasement. - What was the significance of the Nazi–Soviet Pact?
It allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of a two-front war. - How did the failure of appeasement contribute to the outbreak of war?
It showed that Hitler could not be trusted, making further concessions impossible.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the reasons behind the declaration of war
- The impact of the Nazi–Soviet Pact on the outbreak of war
- The role of appeasement in leading to WWII