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Course : History
Theme : Interwar Period in Germany
Topic : Preparing for War
Years : 1933 - 1939
In Text
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany with a platform of
expansionism, anti-communism, and a desire for Lebensraum, or "living space." The
League of Nations, established after World War I, failed to prevent war due to its weak
structure, limited powers, and lack of enforcement. The global economic crisis of the
1930s also contributed to the rise of aggressive nationalism and militarism.
Hitler's Goals
Hitler's ultimate goal was to create a greater Germany, eliminating the Treaty of
Versailles and achieving Lebensraum through expansion. He sought to:
1. Abolish the Treaty of Versailles
2. Achieve Anschluss (union) with Austria
3. Expand Germany's territory and population
4. Establish a strong military and economy
Appeasement Policy
Britain and France adopted a policy of appeasement, hoping to avoid another war by
granting Hitler's demands. This policy was based on economic and technological
concerns, as well as political calculations. However, appeasement only emboldened
Hitler, allowing him to take bigger risks and ultimately leading to further aggression.
Rearmament
Germany began rearming in 1935, with conscription, naval expansion, and the
development of the Luftwaffe. Britain sympathized with Germany's concerns but did
little to stop Hitler's expansion.
, Remilitarization of the Rhineland
In 1936, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. This
move was met with limited international resistance.
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) provided an opportunity for Hitler to test new
weapons and tactics. The war also saw Germany's involvement in the conflict.
Anti-Comintern Pact
The Anti-Comintern Pact (1936) was an anti-communist alliance between Germany and
Japan, which further solidified Hitler's position as a leader in international politics.
Anschluss
The Anschluss (annexation) of Austria in 1938 was a major milestone in Hitler's
expansionist agenda. The plebiscite was rigged, and Schuschnigg was forced to resign.
Invasion of Abyssinia
Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1935-1936 was met with limited international
action. Germany continued to trade with Italy, despite League of Nations sanctions.
Sudetenland
The Munich Agreement (1938) allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region
of Czechoslovakia. The agreement was met with widespread criticism, as it ceded
territory without consulting the Czechoslovakian government.
Czechoslovakia
France and Britain finally realized that appeasement was not a viable policy after the
invasion of Czechoslovakia. They vowed to protect Poland if Germany attacked.
materials, check out my profile and flashcard shop Maggie's Flashcards - Payhip. From
notes to flashcards, I've got you covered!
Course : History
Theme : Interwar Period in Germany
Topic : Preparing for War
Years : 1933 - 1939
In Text
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany with a platform of
expansionism, anti-communism, and a desire for Lebensraum, or "living space." The
League of Nations, established after World War I, failed to prevent war due to its weak
structure, limited powers, and lack of enforcement. The global economic crisis of the
1930s also contributed to the rise of aggressive nationalism and militarism.
Hitler's Goals
Hitler's ultimate goal was to create a greater Germany, eliminating the Treaty of
Versailles and achieving Lebensraum through expansion. He sought to:
1. Abolish the Treaty of Versailles
2. Achieve Anschluss (union) with Austria
3. Expand Germany's territory and population
4. Establish a strong military and economy
Appeasement Policy
Britain and France adopted a policy of appeasement, hoping to avoid another war by
granting Hitler's demands. This policy was based on economic and technological
concerns, as well as political calculations. However, appeasement only emboldened
Hitler, allowing him to take bigger risks and ultimately leading to further aggression.
Rearmament
Germany began rearming in 1935, with conscription, naval expansion, and the
development of the Luftwaffe. Britain sympathized with Germany's concerns but did
little to stop Hitler's expansion.
, Remilitarization of the Rhineland
In 1936, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland, violating the Treaty of Versailles. This
move was met with limited international resistance.
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) provided an opportunity for Hitler to test new
weapons and tactics. The war also saw Germany's involvement in the conflict.
Anti-Comintern Pact
The Anti-Comintern Pact (1936) was an anti-communist alliance between Germany and
Japan, which further solidified Hitler's position as a leader in international politics.
Anschluss
The Anschluss (annexation) of Austria in 1938 was a major milestone in Hitler's
expansionist agenda. The plebiscite was rigged, and Schuschnigg was forced to resign.
Invasion of Abyssinia
Italy's invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1935-1936 was met with limited international
action. Germany continued to trade with Italy, despite League of Nations sanctions.
Sudetenland
The Munich Agreement (1938) allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region
of Czechoslovakia. The agreement was met with widespread criticism, as it ceded
territory without consulting the Czechoslovakian government.
Czechoslovakia
France and Britain finally realized that appeasement was not a viable policy after the
invasion of Czechoslovakia. They vowed to protect Poland if Germany attacked.
