Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations
69 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What economic consequence did the Treaty of Versailles impose on defeated nations like Germany?

  • It allowed for increased trade with other nations.
  • It required payment of large reparations. (correct)
  • It resulted in immediate debt relief.
  • It provided economic support to rebuild industries.
  • Which clause from the peace treaties contributed to the resentment felt by the defeated nations?

  • Article 231's war guilt clause. (correct)
  • The territorial adjustments.
  • The disarmament agreement.
  • The establishment of the League of Nations.
  • How did the Treaty of Versailles indirectly increase the likelihood of future conflicts?

  • By encouraging disarmament of military forces.
  • By fostering goodwill among former enemies.
  • By creating economic instability and rearmament. (correct)
  • By ensuring cooperation between nations.
  • What was one outcome of the creation of new states like Czechoslovakia after the peace treaties?

    <p>Splitting up of families and ethnic tension. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did public opinion in Britain have on Hitler's actions during the 1930s?

    <p>It increased sympathy for Germany’s plight and leniency towards rearmament. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major consequence of the League of Nations' failures in the 1930s?

    <p>Increased conflicts and rise of totalitarian regimes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Britain allow Germany to rearm in the 1930s?

    <p>Due to a growing belief that the Treaty was unfair. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which agreement allowed Germany to rearm while limiting its military capacity?

    <p>Anglo-German Naval Agreement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major consequence of the appeasement policy toward Germany prior to World War II?

    <p>It allowed Germany to militarize without opposition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributed to the limitations faced by Britain in avoiding war with Germany?

    <p>Economic difficulties and the aftermath of WWI. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant mistake made by the Allies regarding Adolf Hitler's actions?

    <p>They underestimated his military capabilities early on. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event indicates that Germany was expanding its military strength before the war?

    <p>The establishment of the Luftwaffe in 1935. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of public opinion on Britain's response to German aggression?

    <p>It delayed action and encouraged appeasement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason that Britain and France de-militarised before WWII?

    <p>To save money (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the failure of the League of Nations have on international trust?

    <p>It resulted in a loss of trust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event exemplified the idea that aggression paid off due to the League's inaction?

    <p>Japan's invasion of Manchuria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the Hoare-Laval Pact's offer to Mussolini?

    <p>Encouragement of expansionism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which policy was created due to the fear of communism, particularly regarding Hitler's motives?

    <p>Appeasement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a result of the failure of the Disarmament Conference in 1933?

    <p>Hitler's withdrawal from the League of Nations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the League of Nations' inaction during Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia affect Hitler?

    <p>It encouraged him to remilitarise the Rhineland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant reason for the West's reluctance to ally with the USSR during the buildup to WWII?

    <p>Fear of communism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked a significant step in Hitler's annexation of territories?

    <p>The Anschluss of Austria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common belief of the British towards Nazi Germany prior to WWII?

    <p>Strengthening Germany would help defeat communism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pact was an agreement between the USSR and Germany that allowed for mutual non-aggression?

    <p>Nazi-Soviet Pact (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key part of Hitler's foreign policy as expressed in Mein Kampf?

    <p>Abolishing the Treaty of Versailles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did the British government hope to achieve by appeasing Hitler?

    <p>To prevent the spread of communism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Hitler's actions lead to the formation of the Axis powers?

    <p>By expanding aggressive policies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event signaled the start of Hitler's aggressive expansion in Europe?

    <p>The invasion of Poland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the policy of appeasement as it related to Hitler?

    <p>It encouraged Hitler's aggressive behavior by allowing him to expand unopposed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant military advantage did the Sudetenland provide Germany?

    <p>Forts and heavy industry, including munitions production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Great Depression impact international relations during the 1930s?

    <p>It caused countries to become more isolationist and self-interested. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the consequences of Britain's leniency toward Hitler?

    <p>Encouraging Hitler to take greater risks in his territorial ambitions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key factor that allowed Hitler to rearm Germany between 1932 and 1939?

    <p>Ineffectiveness of the Treaty of Versailles enforcement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main purpose of the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed in August 1939?

    <p>To divide Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, between Germany and the USSR (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event highlighted the failure of appeasement in stopping Hitler's expansion?

    <p>The invasion of Czechoslovakia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one impact of appeasement on Czechoslovakia's defenses?

    <p>It left Czechoslovakia vulnerable to invasion by Germany. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did Hitler's aggressive foreign policies have on the perception of Britain and France?

    <p>It reduced their military readiness and confidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a result of the Spanish Civil War for the German military?

    <p>They gained valuable combat experience and tested their military strategies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region's annexation signified Hitler's first successful territorial acquisition?

    <p>Austria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the economic instability in countries during the Great Depression contribute to the rise of extremist leaders?

    <p>It made citizens more susceptible to promises made by radical leaders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one key reason for British and French hesitation in stopping Hitler's early aggression?

    <p>They were distracted by their own economic crises. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Saar Plebiscite held in January 1935?

    <p>It resulted in 90% voting for German reintegration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Anglo-German Naval Agreement impact Germany's military?

    <p>It was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. (A), It allowed Germany to significantly expand its navy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary reason for Hitler's rearmament of Germany in the 1930s?

    <p>To instill fear and encourage appeasement from the Allies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked the remilitarization of the Rhineland?

    <p>The entry of German troops on March 7, 1936. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the Spanish Civil War for Germany?

    <p>It provided war experience for the German military. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivated the Anti-Comintern Pact signed in November 1936?

    <p>To prevent the spread of communism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the conscription introduced by Hitler after the Freedom to Rearm rally?

    <p>It drastically increased the number of German soldiers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What brought about Hitler’s decision to support General Franco in the Spanish Civil War?

    <p>To gain access to Spanish resources and military bases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main goal of the Mutual Assistance Pact signed by Russia and France in 1935?

    <p>To provide a military counter to German aggression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Hitler use propaganda during the Saar Plebiscite?

    <p>By promoting Nazi ideals through extensive campaigns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event signaled Germany's open aggression against the Treaty of Versailles in the 1930s?

    <p>The remilitarization of the Rhineland. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one effect of Britain allowing the Anglo-German Naval Agreement?

    <p>It encouraged further German territorial expansion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What justification did Hitler provide for rearming Germany?

    <p>To protect against potential Soviet invasion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Freedom to Rearm rally in 1935 showcase?

    <p>The capabilities of Germany's armed forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the Munich Agreement?

    <p>Germany gained access to extensive natural resources in Czechoslovakia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one reason for Hitler's popularity in Austria leading to the Anschluss?

    <p>Widespread discontent with the Treaty of Versailles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason Stalin agreed to the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

    <p>To gain technological advancements from Germany. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributed to the lack of resistance from Czechoslovakia during its invasion in March 1939?

    <p>The Czechs were unprepared and lacked effective military options. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the motivations behind the appeasement policy adopted by Britain?

    <p>To avoid a repetition of World War I devastation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Hitler want to take over the Sudetenland?

    <p>He claimed the Germans there were mistreated by the Czechoslovak government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one effect of the invasion of Poland by Germany on 1st September 1939?

    <p>It completed Germany's territorial expansion efforts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the implications of the public opinion poll in October 1938 regarding Hitler?

    <p>It reflected skepticism about Hitler's territorial ambitions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one outcome of the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

    <p>It allowed for the division of Eastern Europe between the two nations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major event did the Munich Conference directly precede?

    <p>The invasion of Czechoslovakia. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the appeasement strategy employed by Britain?

    <p>To buy time for military rearmament. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception did many have regarding Hitler's future territorial ambitions?

    <p>Hitler would be satisfied with the territories he had acquired. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reflected a significant flaw in the strategy of appeasement?

    <p>It strengthened Hitler's confidence in making further territorial demands. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact indicate about the state of international relations at that time?

    <p>Bipolar alliances were forming, dividing Europe. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Appeasement Policy

    A policy of granting concessions to potential aggressors to avoid conflict, often seen as a diplomatic strategy to prevent war.

    Treaty of Versailles Impact

    The treaty's harsh terms weakened Germany economically and made it prone to resentment, creating fertile ground for aggressive leaders like Hitler to gain popularity.

    Failure of Appeasement

    Attempting to avoid war by accommodating aggressive demands often emboldened the aggressor, leading to further aggression and ultimately, war.

    Missed Opportunities to Stop Hitler

    Several crucial points were missed, allowing Hitler and Germany to rearm without significant international intervention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nazi-Soviet Pact's Failure

    The pact's goal to build up Germany to fight the USSR proved ineffective, ultimately the Soviet Union became an ally in WWII.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement's effect on Hitler

    Appeasement encouraged Hitler's aggression by showing that he could get away with violating agreements and taking land without significant repercussions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hitler's rearmament

    Hitler increased Germany's military strength from 100,000 to 950,000 soldiers, building a massive navy and air force. against the Treaty of Versailles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Munich Agreement (1938)

    Agreement that gave Hitler the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sudetenland Importance

    The area had crucial military fortifications, factories (like Skoda), and resources that strengthened Germany for future aggression.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939)

    Secret agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union to partition Poland and avoid fighting each other, despite their ideological differences.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hitler's Unpredictability

    Hitler's actions often contradicted his earlier statements, making it difficult to anticipate his next move.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement consequence on Allies

    The policy of appeasement alienated the Soviet Union, making it less likely to form an alliance with Britain and France.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Great Depression impact on foreign policy

    Economic instability and self-interest led to a lack of intervention from other countries in early conflicts.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Depression's impact on extremist governments

    Economic hardship increased the appeal of extremist ideologies and leaders like Hitler and Mussolini.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement effect on Germany's strenght

    Appeasement allowed Germany to gain substantial military and economic strength by acquiring resources from neighboring nations without facing immediate opposition.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    TofV (Treaty of Versailles)

    Treaty that restricted Germany's post-WWI military and territorial growth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spanish Civil War's Effect

    The Spanish Civil War served as a testing ground for German military strength and tactics and the air force gained expertise.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Invasion of Czechoslovakia

    Hitler's forces invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anschluss with Austria

    Germany's unification with Austria in 1938.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Invasion of Poland

    The German invasion of Poland on 1st September 1939, initiating World War II.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anglo-German Naval Agreement

    Britain allowed Germany to build a navy up to 35% the size of Britain's.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Saar Plebiscite

    A vote on the future of the Saar region, with options for joining France, Germany, or remaining a League of Nations mandate.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Remilitarization of the Rhineland

    Hitler's military occupation of the Rhineland, a violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spanish Civil War

    A conflict between the Republican government and fascist rebels (Franco), supported by Axis powers, allowing Germany to test its air force.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anti-Comintern Pact

    An alliance between Germany and Japan against communism, later joined by Italy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mutual Assistance Pact

    Agreement between Russia and France for mutual defense against German aggression.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement

    Policy of giving in to Hitler's demands in order to prevent war.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Condor Legion

    German volunteer squadron in the Spanish Civil War.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Treaty of Versailles

    Agreement ending World War I, placing restrictions on Germany.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Conscription

    Compulsory military service.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Propaganda

    Information or disinformation intended to influence public opinion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Foreign Policy Expansion

    Government strategies to increase a country's influence and power in the world.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Anschluss

    Union of Austria and Germany in 1938.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sudetenland Crisis

    Czechoslovakia's border region with Germany where many Germans lived.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Munich Agreement

    Agreement that gave Hitler the Sudetenland in exchange for promises of peace.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nazi-Soviet Pact

    Non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chamberlain's appeasement

    British policy of giving into Hitler's demands to avoid war.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Czechoslovakia

    New country formed after WWI.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    British rearmament

    Building up British military in the 1930's.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    World War I

    Global war (1914-1918).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hitler's Demands

    Hitler's expansionist requests across Europe.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Soviet Union

    Russia + satellite states (post 1917-1991)

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Public Opinion

    People's feelings towards Hitler and the appeasement policies.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mussolini

    Italian dictator during this time.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement: The Policy

    Appeasement was a strategy used by Britain and France in the 1930s to avoid war with Germany. It involved granting concessions to Hitler's demands, hoping to satisfy his ambitions peacefully.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Failure of the League of Nations

    The League of Nations, designed to prevent future wars, was largely ineffective in stopping Hitler's aggression. It lacked military power and struggled to enforce its decisions, ultimately failing in its primary purpose.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nazi-Soviet Pact: The Deal

    The Nazi-Soviet Pact, signed in 1939, secretly divided Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union. This alliance allowed Hitler to initiate WWII without fearing Soviet opposition.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Remilitarization of the Rhineland: A Key Step

    Hitler's violation of the Treaty of Versailles by remilitarizing the Rhineland in 1936, a region Germany was forbidden to occupy, marked a turning point in his aggressive policy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Fear of Communism: A Factor

    Europe's fear of communism, especially in Great Britain and France, influenced their willingness to appease Hitler. They saw him as a buffer against the spread of Soviet influence and therefore tolerated his aggression.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Public Opinion and Appeasement

    Public opinion in Britain and France initially supported appeasement due to the exhaustion from WWI and the desire for peace at any cost. However, as Hitler's aggression intensified, public sentiment shifted towards a need for stronger action against him.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    League of Nations' Failure

    The League's inability to enforce its decisions led to a breakdown of international law, encouraging aggressive actions like the invasion of Abyssinia and Manchuria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hoare-Laval Pact

    This agreement attempted to appease Mussolini by giving him part of Abyssinia, contradicting the League's purpose and weakening its authority.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Disarmament Conference Failure

    When nations refused to disarm alongside Germany, Hitler saw it as a betrayal and left the League, further undermining its power.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Fear of Communism

    The West's fear of communism led to appeasement policies, hoping that a stronger Germany would fight the Soviet Union.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hitler's Foreign Policy Aims

    Hitler aimed to abolish the Treaty of Versailles, rearm Germany, expand territory, unite German-speaking people, and destroy communism.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    German Rearmament

    Hitler secretly started building up Germany's military, violating the Treaty of Versailles and preparing for aggression.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Appeasement and the USSR

    Appeasement prevented a potential alliance between Britain and France, weakening their position against Germany and ultimately pushing the Soviet Union into a pact with Germany.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hitler's Invasion of Czechoslovakia

    Hitler's invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 demonstrated his willingness to disregard international agreements and expand his power.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Long-Term Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles

    • The treaty's harsh terms led to economic hardship in defeated nations, fueling resentment and prompting rearmament, increasing the likelihood of future conflict.

    • The "war guilt" clause, particularly in the Treaty of Versailles, and the establishment of new states like Czechoslovakia, caused significant resentment and family separation.

    • The British public's sympathy towards Germany, stemming from perceived unfairness of the treaties, contributed to a lenient stance toward Hitler's actions, ultimately allowing Germany to rearm and leading to appeasement.

    Consequences of League of Nations Failures

    • The League's inaction in response to aggression (e.g., Japan's invasion of Manchuria, Italy's invasion of Abyssinia) encouraged further aggression from other nations, such as Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland, and it encouraged expansionism.
    • The failure of the League also contributed to international distrust, demonstrated by the Nazi-Soviet Pact, which further emboldened Hitler's ambitions.
    • The inability to address multiple crises simultaneously weakened international resolve, leading to missed opportunities to intervene and prevent further conflicts. Loss of international trust made further alliances less likely.

    Justification of Appeasement Policy

    • Appeasement encouraged Hitler's aggression, leading him to believe he could get away with increasingly aggressive actions. Lack of immediate retaliation empowered him.
    • Appeasement allowed Germany to strengthen its military and gain resources, significantly increasing its strength pre-1939. Gaining territory such as the Sudetenland provided resources such as coal, minerals, industry, and a larger population for Germany.
    • The policy ultimately failed to prevent war, as appeasement created an environment of fear and distrust, forcing Russia into an alliance with an enemy.

    Importance of the Nazi-Soviet Pact

    • The Pact surprised the world because Germany and Russia had ideological differences, however it provided resources for Germany (grain) and technology for Russia, making it exceptionally easy for Germany to gain resources for the war.
    • The Pact directly contributed to the outbreak of World War II as it created a strong enough Germany, and a weak enough Britain/France, it enabled the invasion of Poland.

    Reasons for Britain and France Declaring War

    • Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 violated the agreements established after the appeasement policies from Britain/France.
    • The invasion was met by Britain and France with an ultimatum.
    • Hitler, in defiance of the appeasement policies, failed to respect terms set by the UK/France, thus triggering the declaration of war.
    • Prior appeasement policies and the failure of international intervention had created mistrust, leaving Britain/France with no alternative but to declare war to defend territory (and public pressure.)

    Hitler's Foreign Policy

    • Hitler's aggressive foreign policy involved significant rearmament from 1932-1939 from 100,000 men to 950,000 men, 30 battleships to 95 battleships, and 36 airplanes to 8,250 planes. His actions were against the Treaty of Versailles.
    • Significant expansionist goals, including the Anschluss with Austria, the annexation of the Sudetenland, and the invasion of Czechoslovakia, gradually expanded German power and territory, eventually reaching Poland, the immediate trigger for WWII.
    • Hitler presented unpredictable actions, shifting his demands and intentions, making international diplomacy difficult and unpredictable.

    The Great Depression's Impact

    • The Great Depression led to economic instability, making nations more self-interested. Economic pressure also encouraged extremist governments.
    • Economic turmoil fueled the rise of extremist leaders like Hitler, who promised solutions to unemployment and economic hardship, leading to the eventual rise of fascist-leaning countries.
    • Economic struggles resulted in the de-militarization of countries like France and Britain. This, in turn, contrasted with the military build-up of countries like Japan, Italy and Germany, causing other nations to feel emboldened by the appeasement policy that was adopted by the UK/France.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and the failures of the League of Nations. Understand how harsh treaty terms and the League's inaction fostered global tensions and contributed to the rise of aggression leading up to World War II.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser