1. Why was there another world war?
 Key words: Appeasement, rearmament
Why was there another world war?

2.  starter activity
Study the cartoon opposite. What can you learn from this image about reactions to the Treaty?
Cartoon published in 1920

3. Which countries would you invade if you were Hitler?

4.  Your task
1933
1936
1938
1939

5. Countdown to Conflict 1933 – Hitler came to power and began rearmament
1936 –German troops occupied Rhineland
1938 – Marched into Austria
1938 –Occupied Sudetenland
1939 – Invaded Czechoslovakia

6. Munich Peace Agreement
The Munich Peace Agreement happened when Chamberlain met Hitler in 1938.

7. In 1938 the British PM Neville Chamberlain pursued a policy called ‘appeasement’.
Was he a coward or champion of peace?

8. Reasons for Appeasement
Military – weak armies not ready for war
Economic – still recovering from the Great Depression so very little money available
Political – people did not want war
Other – fear of communism and internal chaos

9. Arguments for Appeasement
Treaty of Versailles was too harsh on Germany – Hitler was claiming back was rightfully Germany’s
A strong Germany could help stop the spread of Communism led by Stalin
Britain lacked the strength in 1938 to stand up to Hitler – it gave the country time to prepare for war
There was no support for another war in Britain in the 1930s

10. Arguments against Appeasement
It gave Hitler time to prepare for war
It was cowardly – Hitler had broken international law and should have been confronted
Chamberlain was too willing to trust Hitler – a dictator
Chamberlain missed the chance to take on Germany before it had fully re-armed

11.  Plenary
Give 3 reasons why Germans were angry with the Treaty of Versailles?
What were the key events which led to the start of WWII?
Explain ‘appeasement’
Give 3 arguments for /against
Do you think Britain/Chamberlain was to blame for the start of WWII?