1. Nazi Foreign Policy

2. Lebensraum 1921-25 Hitler’s idea that the German people (Volk) need “living space” to thrive Aimed to reunify all German people Significance: Motivated Germany to take over territory + strengthen its military Based on Nazi ideas about racial purity Applied in Europe and overseas “Our Lebensraum also lies here!”

3. Guiding Questions: Hitler on Lebensraum (coursepack, p. 68) 1.What is the Nazis’ goal in foreign policy? 2.According to Hitler, why do the German people deserve Lebensraum? 3.According to Hitler, how will the German people acquire Lebensraum? FIND RELEVANT EVIDENCE

4. Hitler’s “Accomplishments” by 1934 Political control Dictatorship established Hitler controlled the Nazis First concentration camp opened Gestapo hunting down political enemies Economy improving Social control Nationalism restored Growing sense of pride and unity What to do next?

5. Four steps to expansion: Rhineland Austria Sudetenland Poland

6. Rhineland Demilitarized since 1919 France seized the Rhineland after WWI to reclaim reparations March 1, 1936: German troops enter the Rhineland France offers no resistance

7. Austria March 1938 ToV banned reunification Large German population Nazi agents undermined the Austrian political system Germany invaded unopposed Anschluss – “union”

8. Sudetenland September 1938: Hitler demands rights for Sudeten Germans Munich Conference Britain, France, Germany, Italy agree to German demands for land Hitler promises not to demand any more territory October 1: Germany enters Sudetenland

9. Appeasement Dates: 1937-1939 Britain and France gave into Hitler’s demands Why appeasement? Avoided war Gave Britain and France time to rebuild their militaries Wanted Germany as a counterweight to the USSR Assumed that Hitler was rational and would stop when his demands were satisfied This was incorrect – Hitler didn’t stop

10. The End of Appeasement March 1939: Germany invades the rest of Czechoslovakia – breaks the Munich Agreement Britain and France realize that Hitler can’t be trusted March 31: Britain agrees to defend Poland if it’s invaded Britain initiates a draft

11. Poland 1939: Nazi-Soviet Pact announced September 1, 1939: Hitler invades Poland; USSR invades from the east Britain and France declare war on Germany World War II begins