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Why had international peace collapsed by 1939? Appeasement - Coggle…
Why had international peace collapsed by 1939?
Appeasement
Main arguments -for- Appeasement
- Fear of Communism:
the allies were concerned about the spread Communism though Europe and many saw Hitler as the one to stop it from expanding.
- Memories of the Great War:
The British and French population remembered the experiences lived during the First World War so they didn’t want another war.
- British armed forces:
The British government thought that the armed forces were not ready to fight against Hitler and intelligence said that they were behind the Germans and they weren’t ready for a war.
- The USA:
during WWI, American support had been crucial for Britain’s success. Without American help, Britain wasn’t sure it could face up to Germany. Since 1919, the USA had followed an isolationist policy as American leaders didn’t want to be dragged into a European war.
- The British empire:
Britain had to make sure that the Commonwealth would support another war. They needed their support to fight a war.
- The Treaty of Versailles:
many also thought that the Treaty had been unfair to Germany, and that Hitler’s requests weren’t unreasonable.
- The Soviet Union:
Hitler was open about wanting to take land from Russia. Britain and France would not interfere if Hitler invaded Russia as they thought that was convenient for them. This showed Stalin he could not rely on a Franco-British alliance.
- Economic problems:
Britain and France had huge debts (many left from WWI). In addition, high unemployment was left as a result of the Depression. They couldn’t afford another war.
What is Appeasement?
Foreign policy of pacifying an aggrieved country through negotiation in order to prevent war.
How did appeasement contribute to the collapse of international peace by 1939?
https://youtu.be/Hzomi4RNtiE
Background information
Most British people were in favour of this policy, however there were some who criticized it.
The person associated with this policy was Nevile Chamberlain, who later became Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1937.
As Britain and France had different views about the Treaty of Versailles, they didn't agree on how to deal with Hitler's attempt to reverse the Treaty. The British had second thoughts about the Treaty. They believed it had been too harsh on Germany.
Main arguments -against- Appeasement
- Trusting Hitler:
Appeasement was built over the fact that Hitler was trustworthy, which was not true as he continuously proved so.
- German armed forces:
Germany was rearming both publicly and quickly. Even though Hitler claimed he was trying to catch up with other countries, others realized that Germany was better armed than Britain and France.
- Make a stand:
Hitler wanted to do something to see if there would be any comeback but Britain and France got tired and wanted to stand up to Hitler
End of Appeasement
Czechoslovakia, 1939:
The British did not trust Hitler; they didn’t believe he didn’t have any more territorial ambitions. On 15 March Germany invaded Czechoslovakia when the country was in chaos.
Outcome
No resistance from the Czechs.
France and Britain didn’t do anything about it.
It was clear Hitler couldn’t be trusted.
Britain and France told Hitler that if he invaded Poland they would declare war on Germany.
The policy of appeasement had ended.
However, after years of appeasement Hitler didn’t think Britain and France would actually keep their promise.
Was Appeasement justified?
Chamberlain believed in Appeasement, however, in he 1939 declared war because he had no other option. He was supported by the majority of politicians in 1938.
When Hitler broke his promises and the policy didn’t stop the war, supporters of Appeasement turned against the policy, and said they had always been against it.
Appeasers were portrayed as naive, foolish and weak.
Chamberlain
He was judged very harshly.
Chamberlain’s ‘Peace for our time’ speech is presented as self-deception and a betrayal.
Chamberlain and his cabinet were seen as ‘second-rate politicians’ who were out of their depth as events unfolded before them.
The opponents of Appeasement such as Winston Churchill are portrayed as realists who were far-sighted and brave.
It was a one-hand debate, yet it was important because the failure of Appeasement to stop Hitler has had a proud influence on British and American foregin policy ever since. Now it is seen as the ‘right thing’ to stand up to dictators.
Did Appeasement buy time for Chamberlain to rearm Britain?
The British government had talked about rearmament since 1935.
They actually started the process in 1938 when Chamberlain became Prime Minister; he believed the country was not ready for war at the time.
The British armed forces did increase a lot from January 1938 to August 1939, but it wasn’t enough to be at Germany’s level.