How Did Appeasement Work in Practice? | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Anglo-German Naval Agreement, 1935

• In April 1935, Britain, France, and Italy formed the Stresa Front to oppose Hitler's foreign policy and challenge any attempts to break the Treaty of Versailles.
• However, by June, the Stresa Front agreement had collapsed due to the worsening Abyssinian Crisis, which strained Italy's relations with Britain and France.
• Subsequently, Britain and Germany signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, marking the initial step towards appeasement.
• This agreement granted concessions to Germany's navy with the aim of curbing Hitler's aggressive ambitions.

Was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement a Success for Appeasement?

Anschluss, 1938

• Many Austrians supported the idea of Anschluss for various reasons:
  • The vast majority, approximately 98%, of Austrians spoke German.
  • Austrians perceived their economy as weak without the support of Germany.
  • Presence of a strong Nazi Party in Austria influenced support for Anschluss.
• By March 1938, Hitler was able to annex Austria to Germany without facing significant opposition.

Was Anschluss a Success for Appeasement?

The Sudeten Crisis and the Munich Conference, 1938

• Hitler's Motives for Wanting the Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia:
  • Following the Anschluss, Germany shared borders with Czechoslovakia on three sides
    • Claiming Czechoslovakia would serve as a protective barrier against potential invasions
  • The Sudetenland was rich in mineral resources and housed the Skoda armament factory, aiding Germany's armament industry
    • The Sudetenland possessed fortifications, making it strategically valuable for Hitler
  • By acquiring this territory, invading the entirety of Czechoslovakia would be facilitated for Hitler
  • Over 3.5 million Germans resided in the Sudetenland
    • The Sudeten Germans alleged mistreatment by the Czech government
    • Hitler aimed to further his foreign policy objectives of Grossdeutchland and Lebensraum
• In 1938, Hitler initiated his efforts to annex Czechoslovakia

What was the Significance of the Sudeten Crisis?

The Munich Conference

• Delegates from Italy, Britain, France, and Germany were present at the conference.
• Czechoslovakia was excluded from the meeting.
  • This exclusion rendered the meeting unfair from the beginning.
• The USSR did not participate in the conference.
  • This non-involvement led to distrust between the USSR and the Western powers.

The Munich Agreement

• The Munich Agreement was developed on 30th September 1938 by four nations: Italy, Britain, France, and Germany, in an attempt to prevent war.
• Key Points of the Munich Agreement:
  • Hitler was allowed to gain control of the Sudetenland.
  • Czechoslovakia retained the remainder of its territory.
• Controversy Surrounding the Munich Agreement:
  • Czechoslovakia was compelled to accept the terms imposed.
  • Hungary and Poland also made territorial claims on Czechoslovakia.
  • Poland successfully annexed Teschen in October 1938.

Was the Munich Agreement a Success for Appeasement?

Invasion of Czechoslovakia, 1939

• Hitler's Acquisition of Czechoslovakia
  • By March 1939, Hitler successfully acquired the remainder of Czechoslovakia.
  • He demanded that the Czech government surrender control of the country, threatening Prague with Luftwaffe bombings if his demands were not met.
  • On the 15th of March, Hitler's forces entered Prague.
  • Hitler also managed to prompt Slovakia to declare its independence.
• Hitler's Strategic Intentions
  • Hitler's actions were driven by his ambition to enhance Germany's power.
  • It's noteworthy that there was no significant German-speaking population in the territories he claimed.
  • His ultimate aim was to bolster Germany's influence and control.
• Impact on International Relations
  • The invasion of Czechoslovakia marked the end of the policy of appeasement towards Hitler.
  • Chamberlain, on the 17th of March, expressed a loss of trust in Hitler's assurances.
  • Following this event, Britain and France began to contemplate safeguarding vulnerable European nations from Hitler's aggressive expansion.

A map showing how far Hitler had extended Germany’s territory by March 1939