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Policy of Appeasement How Appeasement Worked – The Sudetenland Crisis Policy of Appeasement How Appeasement Worked Reasons for Hitler wanting to control Czechoslovakia: – An ally of Britain and France – Despised the Czech people who were Slavs – Rich in resources – Wanted Sudetenland to be part of his ‘Greater Germany’ Over three million Germans lived here Heavy industries and military defences of Czechoslovakia were located here Policy of Appeasement How Appeasement Worked • Czech President, Edvard Benes believed that Britain and France would stop German invasion • But British PM, Neville Chamberlain wanted to avoid war and was a firm believer in appeasement • In Sept 1938, Chamberlain met with Hitler, hoping to defuse the threat of war First meeting (15th Sept) … I only want those parts of the Sudetenland where more than half of the population is German. Germans should be ruled by Germans. I’m sure you understand me, Mr Prime Minister? I think your request is reasonable. I will convey your message to the Czechs. Hopefully, they will agree to it. Chamberlain Hitler 19th Sept … Yes, it is unfortunate but we see no other way to preserve the peace. Besides, he is asking for only the portions where his German people live. Edouard Daladier (French PM) Perhaps Europe is asking too much of the Czech people. But for the sake of peace in Europe, there is a need for this. Please agree, Benes. We will stand by your country. I can’t believe you are asking me to give away part of my country to a war-monger. But since you think there is no other way out, I will just have to agree to Hitler’s request. Sigh… Chamberlain Benes Second meeting (22th Sept) … Mr Prime Minister, you got to understand that the Czech government has not been treating the Sudetenland Germans well. Hence it is necessary for all of the Sudetenland to be under Germany to stop the illtreatment. Hey! You go back on your word, Chancellor Hitler. I need to go back and discuss with the rest first. Chamberlain Hitler Third meeting (29th Sept) … The Munich Conference (by invitation) That is great! I give you my word that Germany will make no further territorial demands once the Sudetenland is given to us. We’ve decided we will not stop you from taking the Sudetenland. But you have to promise that Germany will not take any more land in Europe. Hitler Daladier Chamberlain Mussolini Policy of Appeasement • • The Munich Agreement was signed by Britain, France, Italy and Germany Czechoslovakia and the USSR were not invited to the Munich Conference “Here is the piece of paper that bears the signature of Adolf Hitler and mine, which means we have achieved peace for our time!” Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 1. Britain ended the policy of appeasement • Hitler did not keep the promises made at the Munich Conference – Invaded Czechoslovakia in March 1939 Aim was to conquer lands east of Germany to create lebensraum Policy of appeasement ended as Hitler could not be trusted Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 1. Britain ended the policy of appeasement • Hitler’s next target was Poland – Aim was to take control of the Polish Corridor in order to reunite East Prussia with the rest of Germany – Britain and France promised to help Poland if Germany invaded her The Polish Corridor Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 2. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact • Stalin feared that Germany might invade Russia – Hitler was anti-Communist and wanted to create lebensraum in lands east of Germany – Felt that LON could not protect Russia from Germany Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 2. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact • Stalin felt that Britain and France would not form an alliance with Russia to fight Germany – Britain and France allowed Germany to rearm so as to destroy Communism – Russia was not invited to the 1938 Munich Conference “What, no chair for me?” (30th September 1938) Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 2. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact • Germany and Russia decided to form an alliance • The Nazi-Soviet Pact was signed on 23 August 1939 – Both parties agreed not to attack each other – Russia agreed to remain neutral if Germany were to attack Poland – Germany and Russia agreed to divide Poland between themselves Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 2. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact • Both parties stood to gain from the alliance – For Germany: avoid fighting the war on two fronts – For Russia: need not have to fear about German invasion, land in Poland, time to rebuild military Marriage of Convenience Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 2. The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact • Significance of the Pact: – Enabled Hitler to fight the war in Europe on only one front – Increased his desire to also attack Western Europe, leading to the outbreak of WWII Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 3. Hitler’s invasion of Poland • The Nazi-Soviet Pact enabled Hitler to attack Poland – Russia would remain neutral – Hitler believed Britain and France would not go to war over Poland – Need to fight the war on only one front Immediate Causes of WWII in Europe 3. Hitler’s invasion of Poland • • • 1 September 1939: Hitler invaded Poland 3 September 1939: Britain and France declared war on Germany This led to WWII in Europe