Czechoslovakia
The Munich Conference (29 September 1938):
Scrap of Paper:
The Destruction of Czechoslovakia (March 1939):
After capturing the Lithuanian port of Memel, which had a significant German population, Hitler turned his focus towards Poland.
Hitler's Demands on Poland:
The German Invasion of Poland:
Chronology Leading to the Second World War:
Conclusion
- Today, very few historians accept Taylor's view that Hitler had no long-term plans for war. While some of Hitler's successes were due to opportunism, there was a greater underlying strategy.
- Although he may not have had a detailed step-by-step plan, Hitler had a clear vision of a Germany-dominated Europe, achievable only through war.
- This is why rearmament was emphasized from 1936 onwards. Hitler believed that Germany's future could only be secured through war, and the timing and direction of that war were the main concerns.
The Second World War was significantly different from previous conflicts, leading to its classification as a total war. This concept of total war marked a radical shift from traditional views of warfare. The reasons for considering World War II a total war include:
Mobilization of National Resources:
Strategic Bombing:
State Control:
Global Scope and Strategy:
Unparalleled Mobility:
Background to the War:
The Importance of Spain in Europe:
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1. What were the main reasons for the Munich Agreement of 1938? |
2. How did the Munich Conference affect the political landscape in Europe? |
3. What role did the Sudetenland play in the lead-up to World War II? |
4. How did the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) serve as a prelude to World War II? |
5. What were the implications of the outbreak of World War II in September 1939 for Europe? |
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