History- War in Europe

• What was a major factor that worsened international relations in the 1930s?

  The worldwide economic depression
• How did the US stock market crash in 1929 affect international relations?

  It increased tensions in both Europe and Asia-Pacific
• What replaced international cooperation during the Great Depression?

  Economic nationalism
• What were some responses of countries to the Great Depression?

  Countries responded with protectionism, calling in loans, rearmament, and radicalism
• What regime emerged in Germany as a result of the Great Depression?

  The Nazi regime
• What actions did Hitler take regarding the Treaty of Versailles (TOV)?

  He started to undo the TOV, destroy communism, and create lebensraum
• How did Mussolini's view of Italy's relationship with Germany change during the 1930s?

  Mussolini felt that Italy had more in common with Germany and sought an alliance
• What was the outlook for European peace and stability in the 1930s?


  It seemed increasingly fragile
• What is protectionism and how did it affect world trade during the Great Depression?

  Protectionism involved introducing tariffs to protect industries, leading to a fall in trade volumes
• What was the impact of recalling US loans on Germany?

  It led to job losses and an economic crisis in Germany
• What were the successes and failures of the League of Nations in disarmament during the 1920s?

  Successes:

  • Washington Naval Conference (1921): Limited warship sizes for Britain, France, and the US

  
  

  Partial Success:

  • Locarno Treaties (1925): Germany accepted western borders and demilitarisation

  
  

  Failures:

  • League Commission for Disarmament (1926): Failed due to lack of cooperation
  • Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): No enforcement mechanism led to weakness
• What were the major issues discussed at the World Disarmament Conference?

  How to deal with Germany and the fairness of military restrictions
• What were the two options proposed for disarmament regarding Germany?

  Countries could disarm to the same level as Germany or allow Germany to rearm
• Why did France oppose allowing Germany to rearm?

  France feared another German attack and wanted to maintain a larger army
• What happened when the World Disarmament Conference reconvened in 1933?

  Germany agreed to return to discussions with a new leader, Adolf Hitler
• What was Hitler's strategy regarding disarmament discussions?

  He pretended to engage while secretly rearming Germany
• What did Hitler promise in May 1933 regarding rearmament?

  He promised not to rearm if others agreed to disarm in five years
• What was the consequence of Hitler's actions in October 1933?

  Hitler pulled Germany out of the Disarmament Conference
• Why were the British and French anxious not to upset Mussolini?

  They saw him as a potential ally against Hitler's Germany
• What actions did the League of Nations take in response to Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia?

  The League set up a committee to discuss sanctions against Mussolini
• What were the consequences of the League's delay in imposing sanctions on Mussolini?

  It led to a loss of faith in the League and emboldened aggressors like Hitler
• What was one of the League's conclusions about oil sales to Italy in February 1936?

  Stopping oil sales would exhaust supplies in two months
• What was a significant outcome of the Nazi Party's beliefs?

  A massive rearmament program made Germany ready for war
• What did the Nazi Party aim to achieve regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  They aimed to get rid of the TOV and create lebensraum
• How did Hitler's actions in the 1930s prepare Germany for war?

  By leaving the League of Nations and rearming, he undermined disarmament efforts
• What was the significance of the Saar Plebiscite for Hitler?

  It bolstered Hitler's popularity and prestige
• How did the Spanish Civil War affect Hitler's ambitions?

  It emboldened him, allowing him to test his army and air force
• What was the Anti-Comintern Pact?

  It was an alliance that emboldened Hitler by securing a new ally in Japan
• How did the Axis Alliance strengthen Hitler's position?

  It solidified alliances with fascist countries, enhancing his ability to wage war
• What were Britain's concerns regarding Stalin and the USSR?

  Britain was more worried about Stalin than Hitler
• What agreement did Britain sign with Germany in 1935?

  The Anglo-German Naval Agreement
• What was France's primary concern regarding Germany?

  France was more worried about Hitler due to their shared border
• What treaty did France sign with the USSR in 1936?

  The Treaty of Mutual Assistance
• Why was Chamberlain concerned about a possible war?

  He had seen the horrors of WW1 and knew the public and military were unprepared
• What does appeasement mean in the context of Hitler's demands?

  It means giving in to Hitler's demands
• What tactics did Hitler use to achieve Anschluss in 1938?

  He encouraged disorder in Austria and convinced the chancellor to allow German troops in
• What percentage of Austrian voters supported Anschluss in the plebiscite held by Hitler?

  99.75%
• How did the Anschluss strengthen Hitler's position?

  It enhanced Germany's size and resources, and violated the TOV
• What was the Munich Agreement regarding the Czech Crisis?

  It involved giving parts of the Sudetenland to Germany in exchange for a pledge of peace
• What did Hitler do on 15 March 1939 regarding Czechoslovakia?


  German troops took over the rest of Czechoslovakia