summary of policy of appeasement (textbook pg 125-128) + sources
This source is simple, yet it has 2 interesting points to take note of:
“‘Remember… One More Lollypop, and Then You All Go Home!’” shows exactly how the British Prime Minister at that time, Neville Chamberlain, misjudged Hitler. Chamberlain believed that Hitler could be reasoned with and satisfied with negotiations and agreements. Instead, Hitler repeatedly made promises to Chamberlain and then broke them.
The large group of monsters with Nazi symbol surrounding the tiny appeaser standing on a small island, shows that the policy of appeasement had allowed Germany to become an overly powerful force. By refusing to stand up to Hitler and act against Hitler’s aggression for power, Hitler was able to rebuild his army, despite breaching the terms in the Treaty of Versailles, and he became more aggressive and daring in his demands. On the other hand, Britain and France, who initially adopted the policy of appeasement to buy time for themselves to rearm, did not manage to rebuild their army to combat Germany, and they were almost annihilated in WWII.
The policy of appeasement played a major role in contributing towards the outbreak of WWII in Europe, and also allowing Germany to become overly powerful. Germany repeatedly violated the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, yet no one stood up to Hitler and stop him.
Reasons for the Policy of Appeasement:
Fear of another major war - Britain and France suffered tremendous losses in WWI, and there was lack of public interest in war. Both nations were not ready for another war, and they desperately hoped to avoid one.
Weakness of the League of Nations (LoN) - The LoN was ineffective in resolve international disputes peacefully while dealing with strong powerful countries. British adopted the policy of appeasement in hope to satisfy Hitler and prevent the outbreak of another major war.
Genuine Sympathy for Germany over the Treaty of Versailles - Many British politicians though that the treaty was too harsh on Germany. Chamberlain believed that by giving in too Hitler, he could help prevent another war.
Chamberlain’s Misjudgement of Hitler - Chamberlain believed that Hitler could be reasoned with and Hitler’s word could be relied upon. Chamberlain mistook Hitler’s aims to be limited to only revising the Treaty of Versailles instead of abolishing it, and could therefore be satisfied with negotiations and agreements. However, Hitler repeatedly made promises to Chamberlain and then broke them
Fear of Communism - Many British and French leaders hated and feared communism, seeing it as a bigger threat than Hitler and Mussolini’s fascism. They saw Hitler as a potential ally against communism, and believed that a stronger Germany could act as a shield against the Soviet Union from spreading communism to the West.
Anglo-German Naval Agreement - In June 1935, the British signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, allowing Germany to have a navy which had ⅓ the tonnage of Britain’s surface fleet and an equal tonnage of submarines, instead of only 6 warships that over 10 000 tons and no submarines in accordance with the terms in Treaty of Versailles. It was hoped to reduce German anger at the treaty and stabilise Europe.
Lack of Action against Hitler’s Act of Aggression - Hitler was not kept in check while pursuing his goal of German expansion. As a result, Hitler became more ambitious and daring.
Remilitarization of Rhineland - British sympathized for Germany and saw it as Hitler merely returning ‘to his own backyard’. France was unwilling to fight Germany without British backing.
Involvement in Spanish Civil War - Hitler portrayed himself as a defender of civilization. He pointed out that he was combating communists in the war, and he was thought to be a potential ally against communism.
Anschluss with Austria - Chamberlain did not want to go to war to defend the Treaty of Versailles, which was thought to have serious flaws. Hitler also “promised” to stop demanding after the union with Austria.
Munich Agreement - Hitler declared that he would go to war for Sudetenland if necessary. The Czechs were willing to fight. Britain, France and the Soviet Union had promised to support Czechoslovakia. It seemed that war was imminent. To defuse the threat of war, Chamberlain met with Hitler and gave in to his demands to take over the Sudetenland.
In conclusion, the policy of appeasement had opposite results from its initial intentions. Not only did it not prevent WWII, it had made Germany so strong that it almost won the war. Hitler became more ambitious and daring, and Germany soon opposed Britain and France aggressively. German army was rebuilt quickly due to Chamberlain giving in to Hitler’s demands. As a result, Europe was almost destroyed and taken over by Germany.
