Start of German Expansion, 1933-1935

Countries' Response to the German Threat

Central Idea: Countries like Britain, France, and Italy realized they needed a plan to deal with the German threat.

The Allies Reacted to German Rearmament at Stresa

• Britain, France, and Italy met for the Stresa Conference in April 1935.

• Concerns about German rearmament and conscription.

• Stresa agreement condemned German rearmament and aimed to maintain peace in Europe.

Stresa Undermined by Anglo-German Naval Agreement

• Hitler reached a naval agreement with Britain in June 1935.

• Agreement weakened the spirit of the Stresa Front and harmed relations between Britain and France.

Britain's Policy of Appeasement

• British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain followed a policy of appeasement.

• Reasons for and against appeasement.

• Hitler's increasing demands and the warnings against appeasement.

Comment and Analysis

• The political landscape and decisions made by key players in response to the German threat.

• The impact of appeasement and diplomatic agreements on European relations and the lead-up to World War II.