Hitler's Foreign Policy

What were some of Hitler's foreign policy aims?

Reverse the Treaty of Versailles, Anschluss, destroy communism, unite German-speaking people, and Lebensraum.

Why did Hitler believe he would face little opposition in challenging the Treaty of Versailles?

Many people were sympathetic towards Germany, and Italy was seen as a bigger threat.

What was a third reason for Hitler's confidence in challenging the Treaty of Versailles?

The League of Nations was slow and weak, as demonstrated by Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931.

When was the Disarmament Conference where Germany and France failed to agree on limitations?

1932-34.

What changes occurred in Germany's military in 1933?

The peacetime army expanded to 300,000 men, and 1,000 new aircraft were built.

When did Hitler withdraw Germany from the League of Nations?

October 1933.

What pact did Hitler make with Poland in January 1934?

A non-aggression pact.

In what year did an attempted Anschluss with Austria fail?

1934

How did the Saarland vote in the plebiscite on January 13, 1935?

477,000 voted to re-join Germany, while 48,000 voted against.

How did Hitler justify rearmament in March 1935?

He claimed it was for self-defense against France and the Soviet Union.

What was the agreement between France, Italy, and Britain to oppose Hitler's rearmament called?

The Stresa Front (April 1935).

How was the unity between Britain, France, and Italy undermined in 1935?

Through the Anglo-German Naval Treaty and Italy's invasion of Abyssinia.

On what date did Hitler denounce the Locarno Pact and reoccupy the Rhineland?

7th March 1936.

What was the reaction of Britain and France to Hitler's reoccupation of the Rhineland?

They did nothing, leading Hitler to believe they would not act against further aggression.

What percentage of the electorate approved of the re-occupation of the Rhineland?

98.8%.

What agreement did Italy and Germany sign in October 1936?

The Rome-Berlin Axis.

What treaty did Hitler sign with Japan in November 1936?

The Anti-Comintern Pact.

What is the name of the meeting in 1937 where war was discussed among Hitler and his military advisers?

The Hossbach Memorandum.

On what day was the Anschluss with Austria proclaimed?

13th March 1938.

What percentage of Austrians voted in favor of the Anschluss in April 1938?

99.75%.

What action did Britain, France, and the League of Nations take against the Anschluss?

They protested but took no further action.

What policy did British and French politicians begin following regarding Hitler's demands?

Appeasement.

What part of Czechoslovakia contained significant industry and German-speaking people?

The Sudetenland.

Why did Hitler want Czechoslovakia?

To avoid a war on two fronts and for Lebensraum.

When did Hitler order Henlein to stir up trouble in the Sudetenland?

April 1938.

What was agreed during the Munich Conference?

The Sudetenland would be transferred to Germany.

What declaration did Hitler and Chamberlain agree on after the Munich Conference?

The Anglo-German Declaration, stating they would not go to war with each other again.

What did Hitler do in March 1939 regarding Czechoslovakia?

He pressured the new Czech leader and threatened invasion.

Where was Britain concerned Hitler might invade next after Czechoslovakia?

Danzig and the Polish Corridor.

What date was set for Hitler's invasion of Poland?

1st September 1939.

What military alliance did Hitler and Mussolini form in May 1939?

The Pact of Steel.

What did the Nazi-Soviet Pact secretly agree on?

An invasion and division of Poland.

What military tactic did Germany use to invade Poland?

Blitzkrieg.

When did Britain and France declare war on Germany?

3rd September 1939.

How many Polish forces managed to escape to Britain after the Polish Campaign?

100,000.

What is the name of the period of little military activity after the Polish Campaign?

Phoney War.