The remilitarisation of the Rhineland

• What is the Rhineland?

  Area of Germany bordering France
• What was the status of the Rhineland under the Treaty of Versailles?

  It was a demilitarised zone for Germany
• What did Germany agree to in the Locarno Treaties of 1925?

  To accept the demilitarisation of the Rhineland
• Why did Hitler consider sending troops into the Rhineland a gamble?

  He was unsure of Britain and France's response
• What was Hitler's main objective in sending troops into the Rhineland?

  To test Britain and France's enforcement of the Treaty
• How did Hitler perceive British public opinion regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

  He believed many thought it was too harsh
• What concerns did Hitler have about France's reaction to his actions?

  France's army was stronger than Germany's
• What was the potential consequence for Hitler if France forced Germany to withdraw?

  He could lose support from Germans and generals
• When did Hitler send troops into the Rhineland?

  On 7 March 1936
• How did the German troops enter the Rhineland?

  They entered quickly by various means
• Why did Hitler keep most troops away from the border with France?

  To avoid the appearance of attacking France
• What did Hitler communicate to the ambassadors of Britain, France, and Italy?

  He informed them of his troop movements
• What was the French-Soviet agreement of 1935?

  It was a mutual defense pact against Germany
• What was Hitler's emotional state while waiting for France's response?

  He was nervous about their reaction
• What limitations did the German troops face in the Rhineland?

  They lacked air support and equipment
• Why did Hitler's gamble pay off?

  Because Britain and France were distracted
• What event distracted the British and French governments?

  Events in Abyssinia
• How did some people in Britain respond to Germany's actions?

  They criticized Germany's actions
• What was the general sentiment in Britain regarding military action against Germany?

  Most were against taking military action
• Why did the British public hesitate to take military action in the Rhineland?

  Because it was German territory
• What was the French public opinion regarding military response to Germany?

  It did not favor a military response
• What did the French public remember that influenced their opinion?

  The devastation caused by the First World War
• What was happening in France that affected their military decisions?

  France was about to hold an election
• Why did French leaders hesitate to send troops into the Rhineland?

  They did not want to take responsibility
• How did French army leaders feel about a major conflict?

  They did not feel ready for a major conflict
• What uncertainty did French army leaders have regarding German forces?

  They did not know how weak the German forces were
• Why did France not want to act alone against Germany?

  They wanted support from Britain and the League
• What did the French foreign minister propose regarding military action?

  To allow the League to use French resources
• What was the outcome of the League's vote on military action?

  The League voted against military action
• What was a consequence of the remilitarisation of the Rhineland?

  It increased international tension
• How did Hitler's actions regarding the Rhineland relate to the Treaty of Versailles?

  He overturned a key term of the Treaty
• What promises did Germany break by remilitarising the Rhineland?

  Promises made in the Locarno Treaties
• What was the significance of the remilitarisation of the Rhineland for Hitler's challenges to Britain and France?

  It was his first major challenge to them
• How did the remilitarisation of the Rhineland affect the League of Nations?

  It undermined confidence in the League
• What did the League of Nations prove powerless to do after the remilitarisation?

  Stop aggressive acts by powerful countries
• What did Hitler's actions in the Rhineland indicate about Britain and France's willingness to use force?

  They were not prepared to use force
• How did the remilitarisation of the Rhineland affect Hitler's confidence?

  It gave him confidence to pursue aims aggressively
• What event did Hitler observe that influenced his actions in the Rhineland?

  France and Britain gave in to Mussolini
• What was the reaction of the German parliament to Hitler after the remilitarisation?

  He was cheered and saluted
• What did Hitler demonstrate through the remilitarisation of the Rhineland?

  That Germany could become a military power