Exam Preparation Flashcards on Pre-WWII Events

These flashcards cover key events and concepts related to the lead-up to World War II based on the lecture notes provided.

What significant action did Hitler take in March 1936 that violated the Treaty of Versailles?

He remilitarized the Rhineland.

How many troops did Hitler move into the Rhineland during its remilitarization?

20,000 troops.

What pact existed between France and the USSR during the remilitarization of the Rhineland?

A pact to protect one another from Germany.

Why did Britain feel unable to act during the remilitarization of the Rhineland?

They felt it was like walking into their own backyard and were dealing with the Abyssinian crisis.

What was unique about the leaders' willingness to go to war during the remilitarization of the Rhineland?

No leader was prepared to be the reason for going to war.

Which two countries formed the Rome–Berlin Axis and the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936?

Germany and Italy.

What was Japan's motivation to expand in the 1930s?

A nationalist commander, General Tojo.

What major event involving Czechoslovakia occurred in May 1938?

Hitler announced he intended to fight Czechoslovakia.

What did Chamberlain believe Hitler wanted during their meeting in September 1938?

He believed Hitler just wanted a plebiscite.

What was the outcome of the Munich Agreement concerning Czechoslovakia?

Germany took the Sudetenland and later the rest of the country.

What action did Hitler take in March 1939 regarding Czechoslovakia?

He took the rest of the country after the Munich Agreement.

What revealed the British public's distrust of Hitler?

93% of the British public did not trust him.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact and when was it signed?

It was an agreement signed on August 23, 1939, where Hitler and Stalin agreed not to attack each other and to divide Poland.

What did the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact allow Hitler to avoid?

War on two fronts during his invasion of Poland.

What happened on September 1, 1939?

Hitler invaded Poland.

What was the British response to the invasion of Poland?

They announced war on September 3, 1939.

What was the Spanish Civil War and when did it begin?

A civil war that broke out in Spain in 1936 between nationalist forces and a republican government.

Who were the leaders of the opposing sides in the Spanish Civil War?

General Franco led the nationalists against the republican government.

What was the policy of Britain and France during the Spanish Civil War?

Non-intervention policy.

What military tactics were tested by Germany during the Spanish Civil War?

Luftwaffe air force tactics and Blitzkrieg tactics.

What was the significance of the Anschluss with Austria in March 1938?

It demonstrated Nazi expansion as Austria joined Germany without military confrontation.

What percentage of Austrians voted for the Anschluss plebiscite?

99.75% voted in favor.

What did Hitler initiate secretly after becoming Chancellor in 1933?

Rearmament of Germany.

What was the consequence of Hitler's rearmament policy?

It boosted his support and challenged the Treaty of Versailles.

What military strength did Germany achieve by 1939?

Germany's military grew from 100,000 men in 1932 to 950,000 men.

What was the Munich Agreement's stipulation regarding the Sudetenland?

Czechoslovakia was to lose the Sudetenland.

What was the Saar plebiscite and when did it occur?

A vote held in 1935 overseeing the return of Saar to Germany, which showed a 90% success for Hitler.

How did Hitler's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, contribute to the Saar plebiscite?

He held a massive campaign to ensure a favorable outcome.

What was the reaction of Britain after the Munich Agreement and how did public opinion reflect that?

Chamberlain returned to Britain with a 'hero's welcome', as people felt a crisis was averted.

What did the remilitarization of the Rhineland signify regarding the League of Nations?

The League was unable to act effectively during international crises.

What were the implications of the failure of Britain and France to intervene in the Spanish Civil War?

It signaled weakness and strengthened Axis powers.

Why was the Munich Agreement seen as a betrayal to Czechoslovakia?

It allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland without Czech consent.