How to use this booklet

Do Don’t Identify your weaker areas and work on them first

Try to do everything at once

Break down the topics into chunks. You

will find a page on each topic, plus tasks or

past paper questions to complete

Only focus on topics that you like

Use the YouTube links on the VLE to break up your revision

Leave everything til the last

minute

Ask your teacher to mark past paper

questions or for advice if you are stuck

of confused.

Panic!

Hitler’s foreign policy: Key issue- how did these events lead to WW2? Could Hitler have been stopped?

Tick when done

Hitler’s foreign policy aims Rearmament in Germany

The Saar plebiscite 1935

Failed Anschluss Remilitarisation of The Rhineland 1936

Anschluss with Austria 1938 Reasons for and against appeasement

Czechoslovakia- Sudetenland

Munich Conference Invasion of Czechoslovakia 139

Nazi Soviet Pact 1939 Poland invasion 1939- outbreak of war

2

Background and beginning to rearm. Read this page, then complete the tasks on the next page without looking back.

The Treaty of Versailles At the end of WW1, Germany had been forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty had left the French dissatisfied because they felt Germany had not been weakened enough. People in Germany hated the Treaty because it had made the country weaker and had humiliated them. Hitler used this grievance to gain support for his aggressive foreign policy in the 1930s. He also used the grievance to his advantage, amongst other European leaders who felt that perhaps Germany had been dealt with too harshly.

Hitler’s Aims In 1924, whilst he was in jail, for the unsuccessful Munich Putsch of 1923, Hitler began writing “Mein Kampf” it set out his aims for the future. The purpose of his book was to tell people what they wanted to hear so they would vote for him.

To remember Hitler’s aims, think MOULD

1. Make Germany a great country again

2. Overturn the Treaty of Versailles, rearm Germany and recover its lost

territories;

3. Unite all German speaking people under his control;

4. Lebensraum (living space) for the German people.

5. Destroy the Communist USSR

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

3

Tasks:

4 mark exam Q (describe 3 clear points) 5 mins When he came to power, Hitler planned to make Germany a great power again. Describe Hitler’s main aims in foreign policy in the 1930s. (4 marks)

:

6 mark exam Q (Remember to MOP Message, Own knowledge, Purpose) 10-15 mins

From Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler in 1924.

We demand equality of rights for the German people in its dealings with other nations. We demand the abolition of the Treaty of Versailles.

Study the source above. Source C gives two of Hitler’s aims in foreign policy. Do you agree that these were Hitler’s main aims in foreign policy in the 1930s? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source, as well as using its content and your knowledge. (6 marks)

:

4

:

Key term Meaning Write it in a sentence Lebensraum

Treaty of Versailles

Mein Kampf

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

5

Hitler’s Foreign Policy German Rearmament

Read this page, then complete the tasks on the next page without looking back.

Hitler withdrew Germany from the world disarmament conference in 1933. - He claimed Germany would disarm if all its neighbours did the same, but as no other countries were getting rid of their weapons, Germany wouldn’t either.

1933 Withdrew Germany from League of Nations - The League was an early form of the UN. This gave an indication Hitler did not want to follow their rules.

1935 re-introduced conscription to build up German army. He justified this because other countries were increasing their arms and therefore Germany had to be strong enough to defend itself. Although this went against the Treaty of Versailles no countries were prepared to stop Germany.

1935 Signed naval agreement with Britain. This allowed Germany to build a fleet as long as it was no bigger than 35% of British fleet. Britain believed it was better to get an agreement on a small increase than having no say at all. This broke the term of the Treaty that said Germany should only have 6 ships and no submarines. Britain allowed these two things to happen because they 1) thought the Treaty had been too harsh 2) were more worried about the USSR and thought that a stronger Germany would be a good buffer against Communism

Nazi Re-armament 1932 1939

Warships 30 95

Aircraft 36 8,250

Soldiers 100,000 950,000

% government spending on armaments 1 23

The Saar Plebiscite 1935 Under the Treaty of Versailles the Saar was to be under control of the League of Nations for 15 years – at which time the German people would vote to decide their fate. January 1935, 90% voted to return to Germany. Hitler’s Nazi Party celebrated this as the first of the Versailles injustices to be removed. This was entirely legal under the treaty. Hitler used this as positive propaganda. He also gained the valuable resources in the Saar.

6

Tasks:

4 mark exam Q (describe 3 clear points) 5 mins The industrial area of the Saar was taken from Germany by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Describe what happened in the Saar in 1935 and its importance for Hitler. (4 marks)

:

4 mark exam Q (describe 3 clear points) 5 mins In 1934 Hitler signed an agreement with Poland and in 1935 he signed a naval agreement with Britain. Describe the main features of these two agreements. (4 marks)

:

Key word: Plebiscite means….

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

7

The re-militarisation of the Rhineland, 1936 Read this page, then complete the tasks on the next page

The Rhineland – the area bordering France – had been demilitarised by the Treaty of Versailles. This meant Germany was not allowed to put troops or weapons in it to protect France. It was still German land but was used as a buffer state.

Hitler admitted that he would have backed down if Britain and France had stood up to him. He had broken another rule in the Treaty of Versailles. Britain and France did nothing – the German public were delighted and Hitler felt encouraged to continue pursuing his policies. If France weren’t prepared to act over something that could have directly threatened them, Hitler could hedge his bets they wouldn’t act over things that didn’t. Why didn’t Britain and France act? Many historians believe that stopping Hitler from remilitarising the Rhineland was the last chance to oppose him without having to go to war. The German army was still weak in 1936.

Britain didn’t act because… France didn’t act because… They wouldn’t act without France They wouldn’t act without Britain

Felt the Treaty was too harsh- Hitler was only putting troops into his own land and this was fair enough

There was an election taking place in France, no one wanted to be the person to take France to war as no one would vote for them!

Both were too busy dealing with Mussolini invading Abyssinia to bother about German soldiers going into German land.

Hitler had correctly guessed that the League of Nations would not take action against Germany. The League of Nations officially condemned Hitler’s action BUT did nothing. In return Hitler offered to sign a 25 year peace treaty. This meant Hitler had got his own way again and another of the Treaty of Versailles injustices had been removed.

Results- 1) Hitler gained in confidence. 2) He has achieved part of his aim to overturn the Treaty. 3) The

Rhineland showed him that Britain and France were unlikely to stand up to him and he could begin to push his luck even further by taking over more places.

7th March 1936 Hitler ordered 32,000 German troops (quite a small amount, many of whom were unarmed policemen on bicycles so he wouldn’t look aggressive) to march to the Rhineland. "If France had then marched into the Rhineland, we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs." - Hitler

8

Tasks: The Remilitarisation of the Rhineland 1936

The Source shows German soldiers marching unopposed into the Rhineland in March 1936. Do you agree that the strength of the German army was the main reason why there was no opposition to Hitler’s remilitarisation of the Rhineland? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source, as well as using its content and your knowledge. (6 marks)

:

A Nazi photograph of German troops marching into the Rhineland, March 1936.

10-15 mins Remember Message Own knowledge Purpose of the source Hint! When thinking about the purpose of this photo, remember it was taken for a reason and would have been used in the German papers for propaganda. It is not enough just to say that it is propaganda- you need to identify the purpose of the propaganda is!

What are other reasons there was no opposition to Hitler in the Rhineland? Make sure you explain them! Why didn’t Britain and France stop him?

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

9

The Anschluss 1938 Read this page, then complete the tasks on the next page The joining together of Austria and Germany (Anschluss) was forbidden under the Treaty of Versailles. However, it was one of Hitler’s aims to get all German- speaking people united under his control. People in Austria spoke German. Hitler first tried to take control of Austria in 1934, after members of the Austrian Nazi Party had murdered the Austrian chancellor. However he was prevented by the future Austrian chancellor, Schuschnigg and Italy’s dictator, Mussolini. However, in 1936 the Spanish Civil War broke out and both Hitler and Mussolini supported the Spanish fascist General Franco. This new found friendship between Germany and Italy was formalised in 1936 by the signing of the Rome-Berlin Axis. This was followed by the Anti-Comintern Pact signed by Germany Italy and Japan – to prevent the spread of communism. With Mussolini now his ally, the stage was set for Hitler’s next step.

Anschluss 1938: What happened

1. 1938 Hitler ordered Austrian Nazi Party to start a campaign in Austria for union with Germany – Riots and demonstrations followed.

2. Austrian Chancellor – Schuschnigg tried to arrange a plebiscite (referendum) on the matter of union.

3. Hitler moved German troops to the border to stop the plebiscite from happening. Schuschnigg resigned.

4. Seyss-Inquart – a leading Austrian Nazi Schuschnigg had been forced to make chief of police – invited German troops into Austria to “restore order”.

5. German troops entered Austria and imprisoned 80,000 opponents of Hitler.

6. Hitler then entered Austria and the Anschluss was declared on 14 March 1938.

7. A plebiscite was held and 99.75% agreed with the Anschluss, though many were threatened to vote “YES”. The vote was held to “legitimise” the invasion to other nations like Britain so they wouldn’t protest.

Results

Germany added seven million people and an army of 100,000 to its Reich.

Germany gained useful resources such as steel and iron ore

Czechoslovakia was now surrounded on three fronts by Germany.

This cartoon was drawn by a British cartoonist February 1938. It shows Hitler as a poacher, stealing Austria, represented by the deer. Mussolini is shown as a bad game-keeper, failing to stop him; ‘I never heard a shot, Adolf’’, he is saying. Its purpose is to warn about Hitler’s intentions.

10

Tasks:

4 mark exam Q (describe 3 clear points) 5 mins Hitler wanted to unite all German speaking people. Describe how Hitler was able to gain control of Austria in 1938. (4 marks)

:

Explain how the Anschluss met some of Hitler’s aims?

Explain how the Anshcluss was a danger to European peace?

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

11

Why did Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement fail to prevent the outbreak of war in 1939?

Read and highlight the next 3 pages, then complete the tasks.

'Appeasement' means 'giving in to a bully'. It tried to give Hitler a bit of what he wanted, so that he would be satisfied and stop. Nowadays, many people criticise Chamberlain for appeasing Hitler.

The Policy of Appeasement When Neville Chamberlain became PM in 1937 appeasement continued to be Britain’s main policy towards Germany.

Chamberlain wanted to find out what Germany (Hitler) wanted and show that, if the claims were reasonable, they could be discussed.

Chamberlain believed Germany had genuine grievances under the Treaty of Versailles and if these could be dealt with by negotiation then Hitler could live in peace with the rest of the world.

For appeasement to work Hitler’s aims had to be limited and he had to keep his word.

There was a lot of support in Britain for the policy of appeasement.

People wanted to avoid war – everyone could remember the destruction of war.

Britain was not prepared for war.

Many people in Britain thought the Treaty was too harsh on Germany.

Some politicians saw a strong Germany as a barrier against communism.

Czechoslovakia, 1938 Czechoslovakia had: a large army, strong defences, valuable industry, mineral deposits and defence agreements with Russia and France. Hitler wanted Czechoslovakia as part of his policy of LEBENSRAUM (living space) 3 Million German speakers from the old Austro-Hungarian Empire lived in Czechoslovakia, most lived in the Sudetenland. They gave Hitler the excuse he needed to invade. What Happened? The Czech Nazi party pressured the government to make compromises to the Sudeten Germans. The leader of the Czech Nazis, Konrad Henlein, kept asking for more and more. German troops massed on the border, the Czech government prepared to resist. Britain and France, wanting to avoid war, persuaded the Czech government to make further concessions. It became clear Hitler was not going to be satisfied with

compromises – he wanted to make the Sudetenland part of Germany. England footballers give the Nazi salute before a match in Germany in 1938

12

Appeasement in Action 12 September 1938 Hitler announced he wanted the Sudeten Germans to join Germany. Czech

Nazis began to riot and were crushed by the government. 15 September 1938 Chamberlain met with Hitler to discuss his demands. Chamberlain persuaded

the Czechs to give parts of the Sudetenland to Germany. 22 September 1938 Chamberlain informed Hitler of the agreement. Hitler responded by

announcing he wanted ALL of the Sudetenland. Chamberlain returned to Britain to prepare for war.

War was avoided when Mussolini persuaded Hitler to attend a four-power conference in Munich on 29th September.

The Munich Conference Four Leaders Hitler – Germany

Chamberlain – Britain Mussolini – Italy Daladier – France

Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia were NOT INVITED It was agreed that the Sudetenland would become part of Germany immediately. The Czechs were forced to accept this. 1st October – German army occupies the Sudetenland. Chamberlain returned to Britain a hero . PEACE in Europe had been maintained. (although he did have some critics – Churchill). The next day Hitler and Chamberlain sign an agreement in which both countries agree to consult over any problems and never to go to war with each other – THE MUNICH AGREEMENT

1938: 'Peace for our time'

- Chamberlain

The British Prime Minister was

been hailed as bringing

"peace to Europe" after

signing a non-aggression pact

with Germany.

PM Neville Chamberlain

arrived back in the UK,

holding an agreement signed

by Adolf Hitler which stated

the German leader's desire

never to go to war with

Britain again.

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

13

Tasks:

6 mark exam Q (Remember to MOP Message, Own knowledge, Purpose) 10-15 mins

SOURCE: From a speech made on 3 October 1938 by Neville Chamberlain in the British Parliament, during the debate following the Munich Agreement. “The real victory is that the Munich Agreement has shown that four great powers can keep the peace by using discussion instead of war. It has prevented a war which would have destroyed our civilisation” The Source gives Chamberlain’s view of the Munich Agreement. Do you agree with Chamberlain that the Munich Agreement was a victory for peace? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source, as well as using its content and your knowledge.

: Explain “appeasement” in your own words here:

Do you think Chamberlain genuinely believed what he was

saying and Hitler’s promises? Why might he be saying this if he

didn’t?

14

The Occupation of Czechoslovakia, March 1939

After the Sudetenland, Winston Churchill (who was very much against the policy of appeasement) gave this speech in Parliament during a debate on the Munich Agreement, October 1938. He was not Prime Minister at this stage. “I will begin by saying the most unpopular and most unwelcome thing: we have suffered a total and unmitigated defeat. I think that, in the future, Czechoslovakia cannot remain independent. You will see that shortly, Czechoslovakia will be taken over by Germany.” Czechoslovakia lost its defence system (The Sudetenland) at Munich. The country was falling apart. The new Czech president, Hacha, had no choice but to invite the Germans into Czechoslovakia. 15 March 1939 Hitler marched into Prague (the capital). The state of Czechoslovakia ceased

to exist. The invasion was not opposed by Britain or France because the Germans had been invited. EFFECTS and RESULTS

Hitler had broken the Munich agreement, Chamberlains attitude changed as he realised he could not trust Hitler. The policy of appeasement ended. From now on, Britain would act against Hitler.

Europe now had to take seriously Hitler’s ideas on Aryan supremacy, Lebensraum and world domination as set out in Mein Kampf.

Britain and France began to prepare for war- weapons building was stepped up.

Poland was expected to be Hitler’s next target. Britain and France promised to help Poland if Germany attacked.

However, Britain and France were not strong enough and too far away to protect Poland properly.

Only the Soviet Union could protect Poland from Germany.

This British cartoon from October 1938 shows Hitler as Santa, popping into his sack, one-by-one the countries of Europe. The bag says: Deutschland Uber Alles (Germany over all). Its purpose was to warn the British people that appeasement was a mistake and that Hitler could not be trusted.

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

15

The Nazi-Soviet Pact, 1939

Britain and the USSR talked about forming an alliance. Britain delayed as Poland did not want and feared Soviet help would turn into the Soviets taking over Poland. Hitler’s policy of Lebensraum combined with his hatred of Communism made it near certainty that he would attack the USSR. The world was shocked 23 August 1939 when Germany and the USSR signed a non – aggression pact. However there was also a secret clause that agreed to divide Poland between them.

Hitler The pact was signed because:

1. Stalin (USSR) was tired of Britain delaying and suspicious of Britain and France. He felt it was better to be on Hitler’s side in the short term than have no allies, or allies he didn’t have faith in (Britain and France)

2. Both Hitler and Stalin wanted to take Poland (though you should remember that this clause was secret). The pact meant they could do this without the worry that the other would attack them.

Hi Hitler felt confident to attack Poland, Britain and France had backed down over Czechoslovakia- he thought they would do the same with Poland.

All three of these cartoons are British and comment on how the pact won’t last.

The The invasion of Poland The German army invaded on 1st September 1939. Chamberlain tried to get Germany to withdraw. This failed: 3rd September 1939 Britain declared war on Germany , followed by France. The USSR invaded Poland from the east on 17th September. Poland was defeated quickly and Britain was unable to help. WW2 had begun.

16

Tasks: 10 mark exam Q

20 mins Which was more important as a cause of the Second World War:

- the remilitarisation of the Rhineland OR - the Nazi-Soviet Pact, 1939?

You must refer to both causes when explaining your answer. (10 marks)

:

Hint! Briefly describe each bullet point, but try to focus on trying to explain HOW they both were an important cause of WW2. Write about 1 at a time. Finally, compare and conclude with your decision.

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

17

4 mark exam Q (describe 3 clear points) 5 mins In August 1939 Germany signed the Nazi-Soviet Pact with the USSR. Describe how this pact led to the outbreak of war in September 1939. (4 marks)

:

18

Further revision tasks- consolidate your learning

Plan this 10 mark answer: Which of these two events was the greater success for Hitler in his foreign policy: -the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, 1936 OR -the Anschluss with Austria, 1938? You must refer to both events when explaining your answer. (10 marks) It will help you to revisit what Hitler’s aims were and to think about how these two events fulfilled them the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, 1936 was a success for Hitler in his foreign policy aims because…

the Anschluss with Austria, 1938 was a success for Hitler in his foreign policy aims because…

Comparison, conclusion and reasons for decision

Key Term Date Explanation in no more than a sentence

Munich Agreement

Nazi Soviet Pact

Sudetenland

Anschluss

Hitler’s Foreign Policy- Paper One Revision

19

Complete this table, filling in as many of the boxes as you can from memory. Check your answers against the information in this booklet.

Event- briefly

describe what happened

Date Which of Hitler’s aims did it achieve?

How it was important in causing the outbreak of war?

Saar

Rhineland

Anschluss

Sudetenland

Czechoslovakia

Nazi Soviet Pact

Don’t forget to look at the YouTube video links on the VLE for all

Hitler’s Foreign Policy topics!!!

20

More past paper questions to plan! Remember to focus on explaining and linking to the Q for 10 marks- don’t just describe the event!

Which was more important as a cause of the Second World War: - Hitler’s aims in foreign policy OR - Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement, 1938–1939?

You must refer to both causes when explaining your answer. (10 marks)

Which of the following was the greater danger to European peace:

- the Anschluss between Germany and Austria, March 1938

- the Sudeten Crisis, September 1938?

You must refer to both bullet points when explaining your answer. (10 marks) An extract from the Nazi-Soviet Pact, published in August 1939. “The governments of Germany and the USSR, aiming to strengthen the peace between them, have agreed that they will not attack each other, either alone or with other countries.” Study the source. The source suggests that the main aim of the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939 was to strengthen the peace between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Do you agree that this was the main aim of the Pact? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source, as well as using its content and your knowledge. (6 marks) From a speech by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain to Parliament March, 1938. What country in Europe today, if threatened by a larger country, can rely on the League of Nations for protection? Do you agree that Chamberlain’s view in this speech is the main reason why he used a policy of appeasement towards Hitler? Explain your answer by referring to the purpose of the source, as well as using its content and your knowledge. (6 marks) Which of Hitler’s policies was more likely to lead to war in Europe: -his policies towards Austria OR - his policies towards the USSR? You must refer to both bullet points when explaining your answer. (10 marks)