1. Events Leading to World War II

2. Hitler’s Foreign Policy
Extreme Nationalism
Nazi Germany’s “master race” theory; desire for Lebensraum “living space” by conquering East Europe
Austria was a German homeland in Hitler’s eyes
Czechoslovakia had 2 million Germans living in the Sudetenland.
Poland has a large German-speaking minority and Polish corridor cuts the Reich in two.

3. Franco-Polish Alliance (1921)
An alliance between France and Poland that would protect France from the threat of Germany.
Was a promise between France and Poland that if either was attacked, the other would come to its aid.
This alliance would potentially lead to a TWO FRONT WAR for Germany.
Franco-Czech Alliance (1924)
This alliance was to be a defensive alliance between the French and Czechoslovakia.
If one was attacked, the other would come to its aid.
This would only further isolate and surround Germany.

4. The Locarno Pact (1925)
Locarno was a treaty between France, Belgium, and Germany where they each promised to respect each others borders.
This was an attempt to avoid German aggression and to create a system of support in case war did break out after WWI.
In the event that Germany, France, or Belgium showed aggression to one another, all parties were to assist to defend against the attack.

5. Hitlers First Break From French Encirclement
GERMANY SIGNS A NON-AGRESSION PACT WITH POLAND. (1934)
This is an attempt for the Nazis to undermine French influence in Eastern Europe.
Poland is left in a very awkward position- In an Alliance with France and in a non-aggression pact with Germany.
NEXT MOVE: WEAKEN AUSTRIA

6. The Stresa Front (1935)
An agreement between France, Britain, and Italy in which they promised to guarantee the independence of Austria. (Aimed at Nazi Germany)
WHY?
In June 1934 Austrian Nazi’s backed by Hitlers Nazi Party, attempted to overthrow the Austrian government.
Want ANSCHLUSS: Austrian union with the Reich
The Coup is put down by the Austrian Army
BUT
The Austrian President Engelbert Dolfuss is killed by Austrian Nazis.

7. Stresa Front: The Collapse
Stresa Collapsed because its members were MORE concerned with their own self interests.
Britain makes a SECRET NAVAL AGREEMENT with Germany (ANGLO GERMAN NAVAL AGREEMENT)
This naval agreement is a British supported open violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
ITALY: is invading and conquering Abyssinia/Ethiopia. THIS IS ALSO a clear violation of the League of Nations.
THE OUTCOME
Austrian Nazis successfully take control of Austria in The borders between Austria and Germany are open.