chapter 6

Crisis and Crisis and ConflictConflict

Chapter 6: Chapter 6: War in EuropeWar in Europe

An Enquiry Approach to Modern World An Enquiry Approach to Modern World

HistoryHistory

Secondary 3Secondary 3

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Crisis and Conflict: War in Europe Copyright 2006

Why was peace threatened in the 1930s?

What were the immediate causes of World War II in

Europe?

Events in the 1930s that made Europe a less peaceful place

and war a greater possibility Events in 1939 that triggered the war

Could war in Europe have Could war in Europe have been avoided?been avoided?

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After World War I, peace in Europe was built on the After World War I, peace in Europe was built on the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

The rise of the Nazi regime challenged the Treaty and The rise of the Nazi regime challenged the Treaty and caused peace to break down.caused peace to break down.

To create a Greater Germany, Adolf Hitler invaded To create a Greater Germany, Adolf Hitler invaded countries such as Austria and Czechoslovakia.countries such as Austria and Czechoslovakia.

World War II was also partly caused by the policy of World War II was also partly caused by the policy of appeasement. appeasement.

The League of Nations, which was set up to preserve The League of Nations, which was set up to preserve world peace was too weak to stop the outbreak of World world peace was too weak to stop the outbreak of World War II.War II.

In a NutshellIn a Nutshell

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Hitler’s foreign policy aims

Hitler’s actions

Failure of the League of Nations to deal with aggressors

The League of Nations was too weak to maintain peace in

the 1930s

More authoritarian governments came to power in Europe because of the economic

problems of the 1930s

The members of the League of Nations put their own

interests first The policy of appeasement

The League of Nations could not make countries give up their

weapons

Why was peace threatened Why was peace threatened in the 1930s?in the 1930s?

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The Treaty was unfair because it was designed to keep The Treaty was unfair because it was designed to keep Germany weak.Germany weak.

The Treaty forbade Germany to keep a large army.The Treaty forbade Germany to keep a large army. Furthermore it had taken away much land from Germany.Furthermore it had taken away much land from Germany. Hitler wanted to make the military strong and regain the land Hitler wanted to make the military strong and regain the land

that was lost.that was lost. To achieve this, he had to break the terms of the Treaty of To achieve this, he had to break the terms of the Treaty of

Versailles.Versailles.

To make Germany strong again by breaking the terms of the Treaty of Versailles

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To get more land for Germany• Hitler wanted to create a Hitler wanted to create a Greater GermanyGreater Germany uniting all uniting all lands containing German-speaking people. lands containing German-speaking people.

• Hitler also felt that Germany needed Hitler also felt that Germany needed lebensraumlebensraum or or living space. So he had to get the land by conquering living space. So he had to get the land by conquering other countries.other countries.These included lands such as:These included lands such as:

Parts of Russia

Poland

Austria

Czechoslovakia

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To fight Communism

Hitler made a war with Communist Russia likely because Hitler made a war with Communist Russia likely because he was targeting the living space in Russia.he was targeting the living space in Russia.

He knew that Russia had lots of land and resources.He knew that Russia had lots of land and resources. Personally Hitler wanted to destroy Communism. He Personally Hitler wanted to destroy Communism. He

believed that if he did not destroy Communism first, it believed that if he did not destroy Communism first, it would annihilate Germany.would annihilate Germany.

He was also aware that by gaining control of East Europe, He was also aware that by gaining control of East Europe, he would be able to exterminate the Jews living there.he would be able to exterminate the Jews living there.

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Rearmament One of the first steps Hitler undertook was to rearm Germany.One of the first steps Hitler undertook was to rearm Germany.

This was achieved through acquiring more weapons and This was achieved through acquiring more weapons and increasing the size of his army.increasing the size of his army.

In October 1933, Hitler pulled Germany out of the Geneva In October 1933, Hitler pulled Germany out of the Geneva Disarmament Conference. Disarmament Conference.

Shortly after this incident, Germany withdrew from the League of Shortly after this incident, Germany withdrew from the League of Nations.Nations.

Spending on the army and navy was doubled.Spending on the army and navy was doubled.

Production of arms increased sharply.Production of arms increased sharply.

In March 1935, conscription was brought back by Hitler.In March 1935, conscription was brought back by Hitler.

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Remilitarisation of the Rhineland The Rhineland was demilitarised by the Treaty.The Rhineland was demilitarised by the Treaty. Most Germans felt this to be most unfair to them.Most Germans felt this to be most unfair to them. Hitler was determined to reclaim the Rhineland.Hitler was determined to reclaim the Rhineland. On 7 March 1936, German troops marched into On 7 March 1936, German troops marched into

the the RhinelandRhineland unopposed. unopposed. It was a gamble by Hitler as he was not sure if the It was a gamble by Hitler as he was not sure if the

League of Nations would stop him by using League of Nations would stop him by using military action.military action.

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Remilitarisation of the Rhineland

No action was taken against Germany. No action was taken against Germany. The French were horrified but did not do anything without The French were horrified but did not do anything without

the support of the British.the support of the British. Gave Hitler the confidence that Britain and France would Gave Hitler the confidence that Britain and France would

give in to his demands.give in to his demands. Hitler was able to start building a defensive force to Hitler was able to start building a defensive force to

protect Germany from any attack by France.protect Germany from any attack by France. This made him even more ambitious.This made him even more ambitious.

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Hitler was an Austrian.Hitler was an Austrian. He wanted Austria to be part of the Third He wanted Austria to be part of the Third ReichReich.. The Austrian empire broke up at the end of World War I. The Austrian empire broke up at the end of World War I.

Subsequently, a small and independent Austrian republic Subsequently, a small and independent Austrian republic was set up.was set up.

The Treaty of Versailles however stated that there should The Treaty of Versailles however stated that there should be no union (or Anschluss in German) between these two be no union (or Anschluss in German) between these two countries.countries.

A number of attempts were made by Germany to take A number of attempts were made by Germany to take over Austria in the 1930s.over Austria in the 1930s.

The most serious attempt, in 1934, was stopped by Italy.The most serious attempt, in 1934, was stopped by Italy.

Anschluss

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Anschluss Austria led by Chancellor Schuschnigg protested but the Austria led by Chancellor Schuschnigg protested but the

protests were ignored. A secret plebiscite was arranged.protests were ignored. A secret plebiscite was arranged. In March 1938, Germany marched across the border into In March 1938, Germany marched across the border into

Austria.Austria. Schuschnigg was pressured to resign and the plebiscite Schuschnigg was pressured to resign and the plebiscite

was abandoned.was abandoned. A vote was held and the majority voted for Anschluss. A vote was held and the majority voted for Anschluss.

Anschluss (union of the two countries) was completed Anschluss (union of the two countries) was completed without any resistance.without any resistance.

Many Austrians welcomed the German takeover.Many Austrians welcomed the German takeover.

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Anschluss

It was another gamble taken by Hitler that paid off.It was another gamble taken by Hitler that paid off. The League of Nations protested but took no action.The League of Nations protested but took no action. It gave Hitler the confidence to take on further It gave Hitler the confidence to take on further

gambles.gambles.

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Italian aggression in Abyssinia In 1934, plans were made by the Italian dictator Mussolini, to invade In 1934, plans were made by the Italian dictator Mussolini, to invade

Abyssinia. Abyssinia. Following an appeal to the League of Nations by the Emperor of Following an appeal to the League of Nations by the Emperor of

Abyssinia, war was averted.Abyssinia, war was averted. By 1935 however, Mussolini began full-scale invasion into Abyssinia.By 1935 however, Mussolini began full-scale invasion into Abyssinia. The League only managed to sanction an embargo of rubber and metal The League only managed to sanction an embargo of rubber and metal

on Italy to stop the invasion.on Italy to stop the invasion. The League did not resort to drastic measures for fear of triggering a The League did not resort to drastic measures for fear of triggering a

war. war. In fact, the organisation was willing to give Italy two-thirds of Abyssinia if In fact, the organisation was willing to give Italy two-thirds of Abyssinia if

Mussolini withdrew his troops. This was called the Hoare-Laval Plan. Mussolini withdrew his troops. This was called the Hoare-Laval Plan. As a result, Italy which sought Hitler’s help, managed to gain control As a result, Italy which sought Hitler’s help, managed to gain control

over Abyssinia in May 1936.over Abyssinia in May 1936.

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The British and French needed Italy to counter the Nazi The British and French needed Italy to counter the Nazi menace.menace.

They tried to shirk their responsibility to the League but They tried to shirk their responsibility to the League but public opinion in Britain would not allow them.public opinion in Britain would not allow them.

This shows how the League was not strong enough to This shows how the League was not strong enough to protect the interests of its members.protect the interests of its members.

As a result the Hoare-Laval Plan was abandoned.As a result the Hoare-Laval Plan was abandoned. Mussolini was angry that the plan was abandoned and he Mussolini was angry that the plan was abandoned and he

became closer to Hitler.became closer to Hitler. On 25 October 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was formed.On 25 October 1936, the Rome-Berlin Axis was formed.

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The members of the League of Nations put their own

interests first

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Most of disarmament efforts by the League of Nations failed.Most of disarmament efforts by the League of Nations failed.

E.g. The 1932 Disarmament Conference was bogged down by E.g. The 1932 Disarmament Conference was bogged down by disagreements over how disarmament should be carried out.disagreements over how disarmament should be carried out.

Countries like France refused to disarm for fear of Germany.Countries like France refused to disarm for fear of Germany.

Due to the fact that most countries did not want to disarm to Due to the fact that most countries did not want to disarm to Germany’s level, Hitler pulled out of the Conference in Oct Germany’s level, Hitler pulled out of the Conference in Oct 1933.1933.

The Anglo-German Naval Treaty also demonstrated how The Anglo-German Naval Treaty also demonstrated how Britain had violated the Treaty of Versailles by allowing Britain had violated the Treaty of Versailles by allowing Germany to increase its naval size.Germany to increase its naval size.

Following this, other members followed Britain’s example.Following this, other members followed Britain’s example.

The League of Nations could not make countries give up their weapons

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Due to serious economic problems resulting from the Great Due to serious economic problems resulting from the Great Depression, many government were blamed for failing to Depression, many government were blamed for failing to solve unemployment.solve unemployment.

This had the effect of drawing support towards authoritarian This had the effect of drawing support towards authoritarian regimes.regimes.

Economic problems had encouraged many countries to resort Economic problems had encouraged many countries to resort to protectionism triggering off a trade war.to protectionism triggering off a trade war.

Despite efforts by the League to stop the trade war, few Despite efforts by the League to stop the trade war, few countries cooperated.countries cooperated.

Trade war also increased worldwide unemployment.Trade war also increased worldwide unemployment. Many countries used rearmament to create jobs. But this had Many countries used rearmament to create jobs. But this had

the effect making war more likely.the effect making war more likely.BackBack

More authoritarian governments came to power in Europe because of the economic problems of the 1930s

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Aggressive rearmament: In 1933, Hitler announced that he was increasing the size of the army from 100 000 to 300 000 men. In 1935, he increased the size of the army to 550 000 men.

Illustration showing rearmament in Germany during the 1930s. What Illustration showing rearmament in Germany during the 1930s. What does it tell you about the changes in Germany at that time? does it tell you about the changes in Germany at that time?

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Conscription: Hitler reintroduced compulsory military service for all male citizens in 1935.

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By the mid 1930s, the members of the League of Nations By the mid 1930s, the members of the League of Nations no longer believed that it could protect countries that were no longer believed that it could protect countries that were being attacked.being attacked.

Efforts at collective security had failed.Efforts at collective security had failed.

The League officially ended in 1946.The League officially ended in 1946.

The League of Nations was too weak to maintain peace in the 1930s

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The League of Nations was too weak to maintain peace in the 1930s

Which one of these reasons do you think illustrates the Which one of these reasons do you think illustrates the League’s greatest weakness?League’s greatest weakness?

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The policy of appeasement

One of the main reasons for the One of the main reasons for the failure of collective security was failure of collective security was the policy of appeasement.the policy of appeasement.

Appeasement means the practice Appeasement means the practice of avoiding war by giving in to the of avoiding war by giving in to the aggressive demands made by a aggressive demands made by a country.country.

Neville Chamberlain, the British Neville Chamberlain, the British PM most closely associated PM most closely associated with appeasement.with appeasement.

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Reasons for adopting policy of appeasement

To buy timeBritain hoped appeasementwould give it some time tomodernise its armies. TheGerman army on the other handhad been growing steadily.

Britain’s other problemsBritain was having problemswith its colonies that were fightingfor independence. Its troops weretoo stretched to deal with apossible war.

Lack of US supportUS policy of isolation meant that Britainand France were left to face the threat ofGermany alone.

Economic problemsThe British economy had beendamaged by World War I andGreat Depression. Its efforts atrebuilding its economy wouldbe destroyed by another war.

Memories of World War IBritain was keen to avoid another war thatwould cause millions of lives.

Fear of CommunismMost Britons felt that a strong Germanywould prevent the spread of Communism,which to them was a greater threat.

Attitudes towards the Treaty of VersaillesMost Britons felt that the Treaty had been too harsh on Germany.

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How appeasement worked

BackgroundBackground Czechoslovakia was one of the richest countries in Eastern Europe.Czechoslovakia was one of the richest countries in Eastern Europe. The main problem was that Czechoslovakia was made up many The main problem was that Czechoslovakia was made up many

different ethnic groups.different ethnic groups. Some smaller groups wanted to merge with neighbouring countries Some smaller groups wanted to merge with neighbouring countries

like Germany, Hungary, Poland.like Germany, Hungary, Poland. Hitler took advantage of this.Hitler took advantage of this.

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Hitler encouraged different racial groups to complain about Hitler encouraged different racial groups to complain about the Czech rule.the Czech rule.

He targeted mainly the Germans living in Sudetenland in He targeted mainly the Germans living in Sudetenland in western Czechoslovakia.western Czechoslovakia.

He got the Sudeten Nazi party to create problems for the He got the Sudeten Nazi party to create problems for the Czech government.Czech government.

Britain and France could see a crisis developing over the Britain and France could see a crisis developing over the Sudetenland.Sudetenland.

They feared that it might lead to war.They feared that it might lead to war. Chamberlain tried to persuade the Czech government to Chamberlain tried to persuade the Czech government to

give way to Hitler.give way to Hitler. He hoped that this would stop Hitler from causing more He hoped that this would stop Hitler from causing more

trouble.trouble.

How appeasement worked

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The Munich Agreement

Three visits were made by Neville Chamberlain to GermanyThree visits were made by Neville Chamberlain to Germanyto resolve this issue.to resolve this issue.

First visit:First visit: Chamberlain was so anxious to avoid conflict that he Chamberlain was so anxious to avoid conflict that he

made three trips to speak to Hitler.made three trips to speak to Hitler. Hitler threatened to go to war with Czechoslovakia if the Hitler threatened to go to war with Czechoslovakia if the

Sudetenland was not given to Germany.Sudetenland was not given to Germany. Chamberlain was so keen to avoid war that he agreed to Chamberlain was so keen to avoid war that he agreed to

see what concessions he could persuade the Czech see what concessions he could persuade the Czech government to make.government to make.

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Second visit:Second visit: This meeting was held at Godesborg in the Rhineland.This meeting was held at Godesborg in the Rhineland. Chamberlain offered to transfer to Germany all those parts of Chamberlain offered to transfer to Germany all those parts of

Sudetenland where more than fifty per cent of the inhabitants Sudetenland where more than fifty per cent of the inhabitants were German.were German.

Hitler however threatened to go to war again if Sudetenland was Hitler however threatened to go to war again if Sudetenland was not transferred to Germany immediately.not transferred to Germany immediately.

Third visit:Third visit: This meeting was held at Munich, the main city of Bavaria in This meeting was held at Munich, the main city of Bavaria in

southern Germany.southern Germany. There were representatives from Britain, France, Italy and There were representatives from Britain, France, Italy and

Germany but no representatives from Czechoslovakia.Germany but no representatives from Czechoslovakia. Outcome: Almost everything that Hitler asked for was given.Outcome: Almost everything that Hitler asked for was given. Within days, Germany was in control of the whole of Sudetenland.Within days, Germany was in control of the whole of Sudetenland.

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For Hitler, this was a great triumph as he made important For Hitler, this was a great triumph as he made important

gains without fighting.gains without fighting.

In fact it only served to encourage him further.In fact it only served to encourage him further.

For Chamberlain, this seemed like proof that appeasement For Chamberlain, this seemed like proof that appeasement worked.worked.

For the Czechs, it was a great disaster and the first step For the Czechs, it was a great disaster and the first step towards their annihilation.towards their annihilation.

The Munich Agreement

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Britain endedthe policy of appeasement

The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression

Pact

Hitler’s invasion of

Poland

What were the immediate What were the immediate causes of World War II in causes of World War II in

Europe?Europe?

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Britain ended the policy of appeasement

Britain and France had been rearming for some Britain and France had been rearming for some time in the event that appeasement fails.time in the event that appeasement fails.

The German invasion of Czechoslovakia finally The German invasion of Czechoslovakia finally convinced them that Hitler could not be trusted.convinced them that Hitler could not be trusted.

More aggressive action was needed to deal with More aggressive action was needed to deal with Hitler.Hitler.

Poland looked likely to be the next victim.Poland looked likely to be the next victim.

In March 1939, Britain and France signed an In March 1939, Britain and France signed an agreement with Poland promising to go to its aid agreement with Poland promising to go to its aid if Germany was to invade.if Germany was to invade.

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The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact Hitler’s next target was Poland, particularly Hitler’s next target was Poland, particularly the Polish corridor and Danzig.the Polish corridor and Danzig. However he was wary of the possible interference However he was wary of the possible interference

from the USSR.from the USSR. Stalin on the other hand was wary of German Stalin on the other hand was wary of German

aggression.aggression. Stalin’s attempts to reach a deal with Britain andStalin’s attempts to reach a deal with Britain and France failed.France failed.

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The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

This pact came as a great surprise to the world.This pact came as a great surprise to the world. Hitler and Stalin were known to be arch enemies.Hitler and Stalin were known to be arch enemies. For years, Hitler had attacked Communism and Stalin For years, Hitler had attacked Communism and Stalin

had done his best to prevent growth of German power.had done his best to prevent growth of German power.

Terms of the Pact Terms of the Pact The USSR was to stay neutral in any war between Germany The USSR was to stay neutral in any war between Germany

and Poland.and Poland. Secret clause: Both agreed to divide Poland between them.Secret clause: Both agreed to divide Poland between them. Germany took the west. The USSR took eastern Poland that it Germany took the west. The USSR took eastern Poland that it

had lost at the end of World War I.had lost at the end of World War I.

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The pact allowed Hitler to risk a war with Britain and The pact allowed Hitler to risk a war with Britain and France, knowing that he did not have to fight the France, knowing that he did not have to fight the Russians as well. Russians as well.

In doing so, he avoided the possibility of war on two In doing so, he avoided the possibility of war on two fronts.fronts.

To Britain, the pact was a big blow as war with Germany To Britain, the pact was a big blow as war with Germany became more likely.became more likely.

To many, this pact was seen as the trigger to full-scale To many, this pact was seen as the trigger to full-scale war in Europe.war in Europe.

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The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

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Hitler’s invasion of Poland The pact secured Germany its The pact secured Germany its

Eastern Front.Eastern Front. On 1 September 1939, Hitler On 1 September 1939, Hitler

invaded Poland.invaded Poland. This time Britain and France was This time Britain and France was

determined to keep their promise to determined to keep their promise to Poland and declared war on Poland and declared war on Germany.Germany.

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Causes of World War II in Europe

Hitler’s foreignpolicy

Economic problems

AppeasementFailure of the

League of Nations

to stop aggression

by other countries Ways World War II could have been avoided

A fairer Treatyof Versailles?

Join forces withthe USSR?

Fight Hitler while he was still

weak?

Support collectivesecurity in

the League?

to stop rearmament

SummarySummary

chapter 6

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