Hitler's Foreign Policy

What were Hitler's main foreign policy aims?

Overturn the Treaty of Versailles, unite all German-speaking people (Grossdeutschland), and gain Lebensraum in the East.

What was the significance of rearmament?

It helped reduce unemployment and rebuild Germany's military strength, breaking Versailles terms.

When was conscription reintroduced in Germany?

1935, expanding the army to 550,000 men.

What was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement (1935)?

Britain allowed Germany to build a navy 35% the size of Britain's, undermining the Treaty of Versailles.

What happened in the Saar plebiscite (1935)?

90% voted to return to Germany after 15 years under League control.

What was the remilitarisation of the Rhineland (1936)?

German troops entered the demilitarised Rhineland, violating Versailles and Locarno.

Why did Britain and France not stop the Rhineland move?

They were distracted by Abyssinia and followed a policy of appeasement.

What was the Anti-Comintern Pact (1936–1937)?

Agreement between Germany, Italy, and Japan to oppose Communism.

What was Anschluss and when did it happen?

The union of Germany and Austria in March 1938, violating Versailles.

How did Hitler achieve Anschluss?

Pressured the Austrian Chancellor to hold a rigged plebiscite; 99.75% voted for union.

Why did Britain and France not stop Anschluss?

Appeasement — many believed Germans had a right to unite.

What was the Sudetenland crisis (1938)?

Hitler demanded the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, citing German minority mistreatment.

What was agreed at the Munich Conference (Sept 1938)?

Britain, France, Italy, and Germany allowed Hitler to take the Sudetenland; Czechoslovakia was excluded.

Why was the Munich Agreement a turning point?

It marked the peak of appeasement and gave Hitler confidence to continue aggression.

What happened in Czechoslovakia (March 1939)?

Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia, breaking the Munich Agreement.

How did Britain react to the invasion of Czechoslovakia?

Appeasement ended; Britain guaranteed Poland’s independence.

What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact (Aug 1939)?

Non-aggression pact between Germany and USSR with a secret clause to divide Poland.

Why did Hitler sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact?

To avoid a two-front war and ensure USSR neutrality in the invasion of Poland.

When did Hitler invade Poland?

1 September 1939.

What was the result of the invasion of Poland?

Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, starting WWII.