The escalation of tension, 1936-38

• The escalation of tension, 1936-38

  A sequence of events escalated tension while Hitler used his opportunities to destroy aspects of the Treaty of Versailles.
• The Spanish Civil War

  These early successes seemed to give Hitler confidence. In 1936 a civil war broke out in Spain between Communists, who were supporters of the Republican government, and right-wing rebels under General Franco. Hitler saw this as an opportunity to fight against Communism and at the same time to try out his new armed forces.

  In 1937, as the League of Nations looked on helplessly, German aircraft made devastating bombing raids on civilian populations in various Spanish cities. The destruction at Guernica was terrible. The world looked on in horror at the suffering that modern weapons could cause.
• Mussolini, the Anti-Comintern Pact, 1936-37 and the Axis

  The Italian leader Mussolini was also heavily involved in the Spanish Civil War. Hitler and Mussolini saw that they had much in common also with the military dictatorship in Japan. In 1936, Germany and Japan signed an Anti-Comintern Pact. In 1937, Italy also signed it. Anti-Comintern means ‘Anti-Communist International’. The aim of the pact was to limit Communist influence around the world. It was particularly aimed at the USSR. The new alliance was called the Axis alliance.
• What naval agreement did Britain sign with Germany in 1935?

  A naval agreement
• What policy did Britain follow for three years after the 1935 agreement?

  A policy of appeasement
• Who is most associated with the policy of appeasement?

  Neville Chamberlain
• When did Neville Chamberlain become Prime Minister?

  In 1937
• Who else, besides Chamberlain, supported the policy of appeasement?

  Many British politicians
• What were the main arguments for appeasement?

  • Hitler stands against Communism
  • Lack of American support for confrontation
  • Treaty of Versailles seen as unfair
  • Economic problems prioritized over war
  • British military unprepared for conflict
  • Desire to avoid horrors of the Great War
  • Uncertainty of Empire support for war
• Why did some believe Hitler was standing up to Communism?

  He was seen as a buffer against Stalin
• What was the concern regarding American support in confronting Hitler?

  America was determined to avoid war
• What did many believe would happen if the Treaty of Versailles was corrected?

  Germany would become peaceful again
• What economic issues were Britain and France facing during this period?

  Large debts and huge unemployment
• Why did Britain believe it was not ready for war?

  The armed forces were unprepared
• What was the memory of the Great War's impact on British leaders?

  They wished to avoid another war
• What was uncertain regarding Britain's Empire and Commonwealth states?

  Support for a war against Germany
• What were the main arguments against appeasement?

  • Encouraged Hitler's aggression
  • Overly trusting of Hitler's promises
  • Allowed Germany to grow too strong
  • Alarmed the USSR about Western intentions
• How did appeasement encourage Hitler's behavior?

  It made him take bigger risks
• What was the issue with trusting Hitler's promises?

  He often went back on his promises
• How did appeasement affect Germany's strength?

  It allowed Germany to become more powerful
• What message did appeasement send to the USSR?

  Britain and France would not oppose Hitler
• What were the risks associated with the policy of appeasement?

  • Encouraged aggressive behavior from Hitler
  • Misplaced trust in Hitler's reliability
  • Strengthened Germany's military capabilities
  • Created fear and uncertainty in the USSR
• What event occurred in September 1938 related to Hitler?

  The Sudeten crisis
• How did Hitler's confidence affect Europe?

  It put the peace of Europe in danger
• Who was the leader of Czechoslovakia during the Sudeten crisis?

  Edward Benes
• What was Benes's reaction to the Anschluss?

  He was horrified and feared invasion
• What did Benes seek from Britain and France?

  Guarantees of support against Hitler
• What was Chamberlain's response to Hitler's intentions regarding Czechoslovakia?

  He was reassured by Hitler's promise
• What did Hitler promise Chamberlain regarding Czechoslovakia?

  He had no designs on Czechoslovakia
• What was the significance of the Sudetenland for Czechoslovakia?

  It contained vital forts, railways, and industries
• Who stirred up trouble among the Sudetenland Germans?

  Henlein
• What did Hitler intend to do regarding Czechoslovakia in May 1938?

  He intended to fight if necessary
• How did Czechoslovakia differ from Austria in Hitler's plans?

  Czechoslovakia had a modern army and support
• What did the Czechoslovak leader Benes know about the Sudetenland?

  It was crucial for Czechoslovakia's defense
• What did people in Britain expect if war broke out?

  Heavy bombing of civilians
• What preparations did British councils make in anticipation of war?

  They began digging air raid shelters
• When did Chamberlain fly to meet Hitler to avert war?

  15 September
• What was the outcome of Chamberlain's meeting with Hitler?

  Hitler moderated his demands
• What did Hitler claim about the Sudetenland Germans?

  They were being mistreated by the Czech government
• What did Chamberlain think about Hitler's moderated demands?

  He thought they were reasonable