How far was Hitler’s Foreign Policy Responsible for World War Two? GCSE

Introduction: Germany in Europe Polish Corridor – this split Germany in two, and left many Germans under foreign rule. The Rhineland – this was demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles to protect France and Belgium. Austria – 8 million German speakers, many of whom wanted to join with Germany. The Sudetenland – richest part of Czechoslovakia. Contained 3 million German speakers. It had been part of the Austrian Empire.

1. What do you think Hitler’s objectives will be? 2. How do you think he will justify these actions? Polish Corridor The Rhineland Austria The Sudetenland Introduction: Germany in Europe

Hitler’s foreign policy aims

German Rearmament

Rearmament

Remilitarizing the Rhineland Hitler is now openly breaking the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. What do you think the Allies should do, and why? After the Treaty of Versailles, the Rhineland remained part of Germany. However, to protect France, it was demilitarized – Germany was banned from putting troops there. But in 1936, Hitler took a massive gamble and ordered his army to march into the Rhineland. Hitler only had 30,000 fully equipped troops, and was so nervous that he gave them secret orders to withdraw if they faced any opposition!

Uniting All German People 1. Austria – the Anschluss 2. Czechoslovakia – the Sudetenland

1. Austria: the Anschluss Hitler was keen to incorporate the German-speaking country of Austria into the Third Reich. Hitler himself was an Austrian by birth. Uniting with Austria was forbidden under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, so Hitler would have to proceed carefully.

Hitler and Austria Why were conditions for an Anschluss ripe in Austria? – explain your reasons Why was Hitler keen to replace the Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg with Seyss – Inquart? Why did the Rome Berlin Axis make the aborted 1934 invasion of Austria irrelevant? Look at Source G – What does the source tell you about Hitler’s policy towards Austria?

The Czech Crisis of 1938 What were the geographical and military implications of Czechoslovakia towards Hitler’s Germany?

2. Czechoslovakia: the Sudetenland Over 3 million Germanic people lived in the Sudetenland – part of Czechoslovakia. Many wanted to join with Germany. The Czechs realized that giving in would mean losing out: (a) militarily – their border defences. (b) economically – their industrial resources (factories and raw materials). (c) politically – their independence.

A Czech German War? Why was the loss of the Sudetenland so important to Czechoslovakia? What was Hitler able to demand happen by 1 st October 1938? Why did Chamberlain agree with this?

Munich Conference What were the main points of the Conference? How did the conference ruin Czechoslovakia? (you may use the period 1938 / 9 to help your answer) Why did Chamberlain feel confident enough to declare ‘Peace in our time’ in 1938?

Source Analysis – Page

8 MINS – What is the message of this cartoon

Hitler dressed as the Bad Santa Taking the countries of Europe One by one. Austria is already in the Sack (Anschluss March 1938) The other countries of Europe are set to follow. ‘Ex French-British Family’ Cartoonist suggests that by abandoning Czech, Britain and France had lost the Faith of other European countries. Smug satisfaction on Hitler’s face. The words on Hitler’s Sack reinforce what the Cartoonist believes Hitler is All about. Using children to Symbolise these Countries makes them Look venerable. The caption, 'Europe can look forward to a Christmas of peace‘ is Sarcastic.

Triumph or a sell-out? Hitler described the agreement as an ‘undreamt-of triumph’. Why? He had the gained the Sudetenland without a shot being fired. Most people in Britain were pleased that war had been avoided, but some were questioning this policy of Appeasement. Many people thought that it simply delayed a war rather than prevented it. Hitler was simply not a man you could trust and by appeasing him you were just making him more confident and aggressive. This was proved right just 5 months later when…

On 15 th March with Czechoslovakia in chaos German troops took over the rest of the country

Terms of the Treaty of Versailles What Hitler did and when The reasons he gave for his action The response from France and Britain

Terms of the Treaty of Versailles What Hitler did and when The reasons he gave for his action The response from France and Britain The Sudetenland taken into the new state of Czech. (8) MINS 1938 Hitler made it clear his was willing to fight for Sudetenland if necessary. Moderated his demands then changed his mind. (Sept) Signed Munich Agreement (29 Sept) To justify his demands he claimed that the Czech govt were mistreating the Germans in the Sudetenland. He intended to ‘rescue’ them. Promised to support Czechoslovakia. When Hitler upped his demands. British navy was mobilised. Munich Agreement they gave Hitler what he wanted