the Sudetenland Crisis

• Individuals:

  > Czechoslovakia had been set up under the Treaty of Versailles, which Hitler promised to overturn. He saw invading the Sudetenland as the first step in destroying Czechoslovakia.
• Individuals:

  > One way that the Sudetenland Crisis led to war was by increasing Hitler’s strength.
• Individuals:

  > Another way the Sudetenland Crisis led to war was because it emboldened Hitler and gave him the confidence and strength that he needed.
• EVENTS:

  > Hitler wanted to destroy Czechoslovakia and unite with the 3 million VOLKSDEUTSCHE who lived in the Sudetenland.
• EVENTS:

  > Chamberlain met Hitler at BERCHSTEGARTEN and promised Hitler that he could have the Sudetenland. This was called APPEASEMENT.
• EVENTS:

  > Chamberlain met Hitler again at BAD GODSBERG, where Hitler demanded that the Sudetenland should be handed over on 1st October.
• EVENTS:

  > Finally, at the MUNICH CONFERENCE, Chamberlain agreed to every one of Hitler’s demands in return for a promise of peace.
• CONSEQUENCES:

  > After Hitler occupies the Sudetenland, he quickly invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia. This led to Britain and France making an agreement to protect and declare war on Germany if Hitler invaded Poland.
• CONSEQUENCES:

  > Czechoslovakia was now helpless to German attacks. Hitler gained control of important reserves of coal, glass factories and the Skoda factory, which could be used to make tanks.
• CONSEQUENCES:

  > Hitler believed that Britain and France would NEVER dare to challenge him and that he could continue taking LEBENSRAUM.