Hitler continues to defy Treaty of Versailles Reoccupation of the Rhineland

Recap of Hitler’s Policy Intentions clear on assuming office Would not be bound by Versailles Withdrew from Disarmament Conference & League – clear statement 1920s secret rearmament – Rapallo Pocket battleships’ – increased strength if not number Hitler continued policy – clear announcement Built up army – airforce revealed – conscription – Naval agreement with Britain

British & French Reactions? Panic + hasty agreements e.g. Stresa Front Short term measures Lack of trust between allies German non-aggression pact with Poland British Reaction Public anti-war; ‘Peace Pledge’ – 100,000 signatures 1930s economic difficulties – domestic issues Action would be costly Did not want to act alone

Nazi Foreign Policy - Conclusion Rearmament beyond that necessary for economic recovery due to Depression 1937 Hossbach Memorandum – aggressive foreign policy 1938 Hitler = ‘War Minister’ Goering in charge of Luftwaffe

Reoccupation of the Rhineland Activity – Own notes Reoccupation of the Rhineland Significance of Rhineland & T of V Significance of timing of remilitarisation Hitler’s reaction to Franco-Soviet Mutual Assistance Treaty Treaty with Russia not ratified until 27th Feb. 1936 – why? German reaction?

French reaction to reoccupation Notes contd. Why did Hitler say, “the 48 hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most nerve-wracking of my life”? French reaction to reoccupation Political opinion Army generals Overview British reaction to reoccupation i.e. contemporary attitudes

Significance of 7th March 1936 Notes contd. Significance of 7th March 1936 German attempts to placate France & Britain Results for Hitler

Debate Britain was justified in not reacting to the German reoccupation of the Rhineland. Germany should have been stopped at this point Reasons for Britain’s lack of action against Germany Arguments for statement Arguments against statement Troops in Rhineland threaten Belgium and France Versailles Treaty out of date