1. Move to War,

2. Changing Diplomatic Alignments
Britain
France
Other Factors
Fear of another world war
GB and French military weakness
Different aims towards Germany
Manchurian Crisis
Revisions to the Versailles Treaty
Too weak to act alone
Weak governments and economic problems
Defensive line along Maginot Line
Alliances with Poland and “Little Entente”
Preoccupied with Japan
Politicians believe Versailles to be “unfair”
Hitler = buffer against communism

3. Challenging Collective Security
Germany withdrew from League in 1933 (failed to end German disarmament); heavily supported by the people
Non-Aggression Pact with Poland (1934)
Secured eastern border
Unpopular domestically; gave image of a “peaceful Germany”
Could be easily broken

4. Mussolini and Austria Annexation of Austria (Anschluss)
Prevented by Mussolini in 1934
Hitler supported Austrian Nazis
Attempted putsch Italian mobilization along Austrian border
Hitler condemned actions; forced to be patient

5. Growing Strength of Germany
Control over the Saar
Rearmament (1935)
Rapallo Treaty
Increased army size (500,000 total)
Luftwaffe announced
Justified by refusal of GB and France to disarm; protection against Soviet Union

6. Invasion of the Rhineland

7. How would this impact German foreign policy?
Fascist Diplomacy
Spanish Civil War improved Italian/German diplomacy
Austria considers itself “German state”; Hitler commits to non-intervention
Rome-Berlin Axis (1936) created united front against communist aggressors
Led to Italy leaving the League of Nations
Anti-Comintern (1937) included Japan in a similar defense against Soviet Union
How would this impact German foreign policy?

8. The Four Year Plan-1936
Consumer economy struggling (food shortages, raw materials, foreign exchange
Only solution: more land and living space
More control over civilian and military sector of economy
Hermann Goering

10. Chancellor Schuschnigg’s recollection of the conversations at Berchtesgaden, 12 February 1938, written shortly afterwards from memory.
Hitler: “The whole history of Austria is just one interrupted act of high treason. That was so in the past, and is no better today. The historical paradox must now reach its long-overdue end. And I can tell you here and now, Herr Schuschnigg, that I am absolutely determined to make an end of all this. The German Reich is one of the Great powers, and nobody will raise his voice if it settles its border problems…Who is not with me will be crushed…I have chosen the most difficult road that any German ever took…”
Schuschnigg: “Herr Reichkanzler, I am quite willing to believe it…We will do everything to remove obstacles to a better understanding, as far as possible…”
Hitler: “That is what you say, Herr Schuschnigg. But I am telling you that I am going to solve the so-called Austrian problem one way or the other…I have only to give the order and your ridiculous defense mechanism will be blown to bits…”

11. Anschluss, 1938 Austria accepts Anschluss in 1938
Intimidation towards Schuschnigg (Prime Minister)
Acceptance by Mussolini
Confirmed by a plebiscite in Austria over annexation
How did Austrian Anschluss ultimately confirm Hitler’s foreign policy actions in future events?

12. Sudeten Crisis- Reasons
Inferiority of Slavs
Alignment against Austria (WWI)
Successfully independent state
Ethnic minority of Germans
Supporter of LoN
Alliances with France and Russia

13. The May Crisis, 1938
Unfounded rumors of German mobilization along Czech. border
Violence encouraged among Sudeten Germans
Czech president agrees to demands for German self- government
Hitler does not accept offer; Case Green called for complete takeover of Czech.

14. Policy of Appeasement
France suffering from internal crisis; Britain unable/unwilling to act
Three meetings to secure deal over Sudentenland
Munich Conference- plan delivered by Mussolini
Hitler signs agreement to settle disputes through diplomacy
Plan involved the German annexation of Sudetenland and partitioning of Sudeten territory to other powers; also guaranteed independence for rest of Czech.

15. Sudeten Crisis-Results
Czech. loses heavy industry, population, and natural defenses
Hitler continues expansion into Czech Republic.
Gained support from Slovakia; Nazis used violence to instigate occupation of nation
Completely liquidated by March 1939; Slovakia maintains independence
Shift in opinion in Britain; firmer stance taken in future actions
Inspiration to Mussolini

16. Italian Invasion of Albania- April 1939
Emulated Hitler’s success; prove Italian strength and expansion
Led to Anti-Italian demonstrations
Took only a day for Albanian forces to fall
Withdrew from LoN in mid-April
Italian Empire declared; Albania used as base for future Greek invasion

17. Outbreak of War- Poland 1939
Britain creates a military alliance with Poland
Forced Hitler to postpone invasion until September