iGCSE History: 20th Century International Relations - KQ3 Collapse of International Peace

Hitler’s Aims

CAL

• Communism: Defeat

• Abolish: TOV

• Lebensraum: Expand for living space.

Hitler’s Three Aims: Defeat Communism

Hitler’s Three Aims: Abolish Treaty of Versailles

Hitler’s Three Aims: Expand Territory

What was Hitler's pledge regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

To reverse the treaty term by term if he became leader.

What were Hitler's two aims for expanding German territory?

Regain lost territory from the Treaty of Versailles and reunite German-speaking peoples.

What were the November criminals?

Politicians viewed as having betrayed Germany during WWI, leading to the Treaty of Versailles.

What is Lebensraum?

The idea of living space, where Hitler aimed to expand German territory in Eastern Europe.

Which regions did the Treaty of Versailles cause Germany to lose?

Parts of Poland and parts of Czechoslovakia.

What was Hitler's view of communism?

He had a rabid hatred of communism, associating it with a Jewish conspiracy.

How did the Saar plebiscite contribute to Hitler's regime?

It validated his regime and claims to reunite German speakers.

What was the outcome of the Saar plebiscite in 1935?

90% of voters chose to return to Germany.

What is the significance of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty of 1935?

It allowed the German Navy to build up to 35% of the size of the British Navy.

What was Hitler's argument for rearmament?

Other countries' failure to disarm justified his rearmament.

What military actions did Hitler take between 1935 and 1940?

Conscription and rearmament of the German military.

By 1939, how many soldiers were in the German army?

Two million soldiers.

What was the restriction placed on the Rhineland by the Treaty of Versailles?

No military presence was allowed in the Rhineland.

What was the purpose of demilitarizing the Rhineland?

To protect France from a potential German military threat.

What was seen as the first major breaking from the Treaty of Versailles?

The remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936.

How did Hitler use propaganda regarding the Saar plebiscite?

To secure votes for returning to Germany and legitimize his regime.

What was the political climate in Saar prior to the plebiscite?

Many of Hitler's political enemies were in exile there.

What was the underlying motivation for Hitler's expansionist policies?

A desire to rebuild a greater Germany and promote Aryan supremacy.

Why were British politicians sympathetic to Hitler's actions?

They believed the Treaty of Versailles was overly harsh on Germany.

What controversial foreign policy aim did Hitler have regarding the USSR?

To carve out an empire and populate it with Aryans.

What was the economic rationale behind Hitler's rearmament?

To help improve the struggling German economy.

How many aircraft did Hitler's Luftwaffe have by 1939?

About 8,000 aircraft.

What significant treaty restricted German military capabilities after WWI?

The Treaty of Versailles.

What major factor allowed Hitler to gain support among Germans?

His promise to regain lost territories and restore national pride.

What was the international response to Hitler's rearmament?

Limited opposition due to perceived legitimacy and British sympathy.

What were the League of Nations’ failures in the 1930s?

The Manchuria Crisis (1931) and Abyssinian Crisis (1935).

Manchuria Crisis (September 1931)

Japan invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria in September 1931. The League of Nations was unable to stop the aggression, weakening its authority.

Why was the Manchuria Crisis so significant?

It highlighted the League's inability to deal with powerful countries, encouraging further aggression.

Abyssinian Crisis (October 1935)

In October 1935, Italy, led by Mussolini, invaded Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia). The League imposed sanctions but failed to prevent the invasion.

Why was the Abyssinia Crisis so significant?

Further weakened the League’s credibility and revealed France and Britain were more interested in their own national concerns than protecting the aims of the League (Hoare and Laval Pact).

Non-Aggression Pact

An agreement between two countries to not engage in military action against each other, such as the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939.

Rhineland

A demilitarized zone, surrounding the Rhine River, between Germany and France that Hitler reoccupied in 1936, violating the Treaty of Versailles.

Czechoslovakia President (At the time of the Munich Agreement)

Edvard Beneš

Rearmament

The policy of building weapons and the armed forces of a country