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World War II in Europe - Coggle Diagram
World War II in Europe
Weaknesses of the League of Nations.
Failure of disarmament.
The league did not have a major success in disarming countries as a result of them being uncooperative. International relations was dependant on powerful nations who acted on their own. The 1925 Locarno Treaties were negotiated by the major pwoers without the league. When the league tried to organise disarmament conferences in 1926 and in the 1930s, the major powers decided not to cooperate and were not willing to disarm themselves as they had a distrust with each other. For instance, in 1932, the World disarmament conference was a failure as France, Britain, USA and Germany did not agree with each other with the armament terms.
Hitler's expansionist policy.
1937.
German involvement in the Spanish Civil War.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, Hitler sent his troops to support the Spanish Nationalist Forces. Hitler wanted to divert Britisha nd French attention from his plans to expand into Eastern Europe, and to test his arm and air force. German planes inflicted devastating damage during raids on several Spanish cities. The league took no action against Germany as Britain and France feared communism which Hitler claimed to fight against in Spain. Hitler potrayed himself as a protector of civilisation against communism.
1938.
German unification with Austria (Anschluss).
The Austrians and Germans wanted a union of their countries, but this was prevent by the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler persuade Austrian Nazis to push for Anschluss, or union with Germany. He pressured Kurt Schuschnigg, the Austrian Chancellor, into Anschluss. A plebiscite was called to see if the Austrian people wanted a political union. 99.75% voted for Anschluss and Austria was annexed on 13 March 1938. The League of Nations did nothing and this gave Hitler access toi Austrian resources such as Gold and Iorn ore.
1936.
Remilitarisation of the Rhineland.
Germany was ordered to demilitarise the Rhineland by the Treaty of Versailles. On 7 March 1936, Hitler ordered German Troops to march into the Rhineland. Hitler used the France-Soviet alliance as an excuse to claim that Germany felt threatened by France and the USSR. The French did not respond with force.The League of Nations were against Hitler's actions but did nothing else. This made increased Hitler's confidence amongst the German people.
1933.
Conscription and rearmament.
To restore Germany's pride after the humiliation of the treaty of Versailles, Hitler planned a huge rearmament programme to build up defences. By 1935, Hitler established his remilitarisation program. Using conscription, Hitler created a 2,500 strong Luftwaffe and 300,000 men strong army. Britian also signed to Angle-German Naval Agreement which allowed a llimited build-up of its Navy.
1939.
Invasion of Poland.
Since 1937, Hitler Demanded for the "Free City" of Danzig to be part of Germany. On August 29 1939, Hitler Demanded for Danziq and the Polish Corridor. When negotiations with Britain and France did not go as Hitler hoped, on September 1 1939, Hitler invaded Poland.
Policy of appeasement.
Examples of appeasement.
Lack of action against Hitler's acts of aggression.
The western powers did not take proper measures to keep Hitler in check whilst he abolished the Treaty of Versailles, pursued his goal of German expansion, remilitarised the Rhineland, got involved in the Spanish Civil War and chieved Anschluss with Austria.
Anglo-German naval agreement.
Britain signed the Anglo-German naval agreement in June 1935. It stated that Germany could have a navy 1/3 the tonnage of Britain's surface fleet and equal tonnage of submarines. It was hoped that these wishes would reduce German anger at the Treaty of Versailles and stablise Europe.
Reaons for the policy of appeasement.
Fear of Communism.
Britain and France hated and feared communism as it clashes with their ideas of democracy and capitalism. Chamberlain approved of how Hitler kept communism out of Germany. Hitler banned the Communist Party and sent its leaders to the concentration camps. Hitler was seen as a potential ally against communism.
Buying time to rearm.
World War 1 crippled Britiain and France Economically and Militarily. Both countries did not have sufficient resources to fight another war,