1. Hitler continues to defy Treaty of Versailles
Reoccupation of the Rhineland

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 – why?
German reaction?

6. 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

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

8. 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Versailles Treaty out of date