Summary
The period from 1935 to 1939 saw escalating tensions leading to World War II, driven by Hitler's aggressive expansion, failed appeasement, and strategic alliances. Key events included the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, Anschluss with Austria, the Sudetenland Crisis, and the Nazi-Soviet Pact.
- Hitler's Foreign Policy Aims — Goals to revise the Treaty of Versailles, secure Lebensraum, achieve racial unity, and prepare militarily. Example: Overturning Versailles and expanding eastward.
- Rearmament & the Anglo-German Naval Agreement — Germany's military buildup and Britain's agreement allowing naval expansion. Example: Germany building a fleet up to 35% of the Royal Navy.
- Remilitarisation of the Rhineland — German troops entering the Rhineland, violating Versailles and Locarno. Example: No opposition from Britain or France.
- Anschluss with Austria — Union of Germany and Austria, forbidden by Versailles. Example: 99% approval in a Nazi-supervised plebiscite.
- The Sudetenland Crisis — Germany's demand for Sudetenland, leading to the Munich Agreement. Example: Czechoslovakia not consulted in the agreement.
- Occupation of Czechoslovakia — Germany's seizure of Prague, ending appeasement. Example: Acquisition of Czech military resources.
- The Anti-Comintern Pact (1936) — Alliance against communism between Germany, Japan, and later Italy. Example: A symbolic alliance against the Soviet Union.
- Pact of Steel — Military alliance between Germany and Italy. Example: Italy's unpreparedness for immediate war.
- Nazi-Soviet Pact — Non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. Example: Secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe.
- The Polish Crisis — Germany's demands on Poland, leading to war. Example: Return of Danzig and Polish Corridor demands.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Hitler's Foreign Policy Aims
- Remilitarisation of the Rhineland
- Anschluss with Austria
- The Sudetenland Crisis
- Nazi-Soviet Pact
Common Confusions
- Appeasement as a policy of weakness rather than strategic delay
- The belief that the Nazi-Soviet Pact was a permanent alliance
Typical Exam Questions
- What were Hitler's main foreign policy aims? Revising Versailles, securing Lebensraum, racial unity, military preparation
- How did the Munich Agreement affect Czechoslovakia? It transferred the Sudetenland to Germany without Czechoslovakia's consent
- Why was the Nazi-Soviet Pact significant? It allowed Germany to avoid a two-front war and partition Poland
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the causes of World War II
- The impact of appeasement on European diplomacy
- The significance of alliances and pacts in escalating tensions