Summary
Appeasement in the 1930s was a policy pursued by Britain and France to prevent war by conceding to some of Hitler's demands, but it ultimately failed to stop World War II.
- Appeasement — a diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to another power. Example: Britain and France allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland in 1938.
- The Rhineland Crisis — a 1936 event where Germany remilitarized the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. Example: France did not respond militarily, emboldening Hitler.
- Munich Agreement — a 1938 settlement permitting Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland. Example: Chamberlain declared it brought "peace for our time."
- Anschluss — the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938. Example: It was achieved without opposition from Britain and France.
- Occupation of Prague — Germany's 1939 takeover of Czechoslovakia, marking the end of appeasement. Example: It exposed Hitler's expansionist aims and led to a policy shift by Britain and France.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Appeasement
- The Rhineland Crisis
- Munich Agreement
- Anschluss
- Occupation of Prague
Common Confusions
- Appeasement as a sign of weakness rather than a strategic delay
- The belief that appeasement was universally supported in Britain and France
Typical Exam Questions
- Why did Britain and France pursue appeasement in the 1930s? Economic constraints and public opinion favored peace.
- What were the consequences of the Munich Agreement? It temporarily avoided war but emboldened Hitler.
- How did the occupation of Prague change British and French policy? It ended appeasement and led to guarantees for Poland.
What Examiners Usually Test
- The motives behind appeasement
- Key events and agreements associated with appeasement
- The successes and failures of appeasement