Hitler's Rise and Foreign Policy

Study Notes

Hitler's Rise to Power

Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, promising to restore Germany's former greatness.
He aimed to reunite all German-speaking populations in central Europe and established a fascist dictatorship.
Viewed democracies as weak and unviable.

Hitler's Foreign Policy

Focused on rearming Germany, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
In March 1936, he moved troops into the Rhineland.
Sought to annex Austria where 96% of the population was German-speaking.

Policy of Appeasement

Appeasement involved conceding to the demands of aggressive leaders like Hitler to avoid conflict.
Adopted by Britain and France in 1937, based on the belief of preventing another world war.

Immediate Causes of the Munich Agreement

Hitler demanded the Sudetenland due to the presence of 3 million German-speaking residents.
Meetings held in September 1938 involved Neville Chamberlain and Hitler, progressing to the Czech Crisis.

The Munich Agreement

Held on September 29, 1938, with Germany, Britain, Italy, and France; Czech leader Edward Benes excluded.
Agreement involved ceding the Sudetenland to Germany, which German troops occupied on October 1, 1938.
Hitler assured Chamberlain this would be his final demand.

Immediate Consequences of the Munich Agreement

Residents of Sudetenland opposing German annexation became refugees.
British PM returned declaring "Peace for our time," leading to a halt in rearmament.
Czech leader Edward Benes felt betrayed, leaving Czechoslovakia vulnerable to invasion.

Hitler's Invasion of Czechoslovakia

On March 15, 1939, Hitler invaded the remainder of Czechoslovakia.
Acquired significant military assets: 45 divisions, 1582 aircraft, 469 tanks, and 2 million trained men.
Signed the Pact of Steel with Italy in May 1939, ensuring mutual support in war.

Stalin’s Pact with Hitler

Disillusioned by the British and French response, Stalin signed the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in August 1939.
The pact guaranteed that Germany and the USSR would not attack each other, while Russia secretly received Polish territories.

Poland and WWII

On November 24, 1938, Hitler prepared armed forces to take Danzig.
In January 1939, he reassured Polish citizens about future relations.
Ordered army readiness by September 1, 1939, asserting that bloodshed was necessary for further success.
Invaded Poland on September 1, leading allies to declare war on Germany by September 3, 1939.
Poland was occupied within four weeks and subsequently divided between Germany and Russia.

Description

Explore the pivotal events leading to Hitler's rise to power and his aggressive foreign policy. This quiz delves into the strategies employed by Hitler, the policy of appeasement, and the significant Munich Agreement. Test your knowledge on these critical historical moments from the 1930s.