Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles and League of Nations

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Agreement that gave Hitler the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Germany's unification with Austria in 1938.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

German volunteer squadron in the Spanish Civil War.

Agreement ending World War I, placing restrictions on Germany.

Compulsory military service.

Information or disinformation intended to influence public opinion.

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

Union of Austria and Germany in 1938.

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

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

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

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

New country formed after WWI.

Building up British military in the 1930's.

Global war (1914-1918).

Hitler's expansionist requests across Europe.

Russia + satellite states (post 1917-1991)

People's feelings towards Hitler and the appeasement policies.

Italian dictator during this time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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