Consequences of the Spanish Civil War Hitler and Mussolini drew closer together, leading to the

Consequences of the Spanish Civil War

Hitler and Mussolini drew closer together, leading to theRome-Berlin Axis of 1936

Germany gained valuable battle practice and confidence

Italy and Germany build their sphere of influence in Europeby helping a Fascist to power

Britain and France on the other hand were shown to be weak,unreliable and still more concerned with communism

Learning Objective: Understand Hitler’s interest in Austria and the

Allies concept of appeasement

Anschluss and Appeasement

AnschlussGerman for link-upThe occupation and annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938

Annexation; Swallowing other people’s territory and making it your own

Why Austria?ProximityLebensraum (living space)Hitler was Austrian by birth96% of Austrians speak GermanThey fought side by side in WWI

Only problem is, Germany are forbidden to unite with Austria.

Early moves1934, Nazi plot to take over Austria fails after intervention of Italy

By 1938, Germany and Italy are strong allies and Hitler tries again.

He orders Austrian Nazis to bomb public buildings and stage mass parades.

Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg is summonsed to Germany and told by Hitler to give the Austrian Nazis more power.

He goes home and orders a plebiscite (vote).

AUSTRIAN INDEPENDENCE V ANSCHLUSS

Hitler responds•Hitler draws up plans to invade instead.•Plebiscite is abandoned.•Schuschnigg resigns and is replaced by an Austrian Nazi who asks Germany for troops to restore order.•2 days later Austria is a province of Germany

Actions Allied Response

Result

GERMANY Re-armamentRe-militarisation of the Rhineland

ITALY Condemned by League of Nations, economic sanctions passed.

JAPAN League of Nations undermined and embarrassed.

DIPLOMACY

XECONOMIC SANCTIONS

X

MILITARY SANCTIONS

X ?The Allies

“What are we going to donow?”

Appeasement A policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to another power

Reasons for appeasementAt the time it seemed better to give in to

Hitler than run the risk of another World War

Most Britons believed T of V was unjust and it seemed OK for Germany to take back what was rightfully hers

Once she had settled her grievances she would return to her peaceful ways

Appeasement could buy Britain timeNeville Chamberlain (British PM) thought

Hitler was a reasonable man

Neville Chamberlain; The World’s Worst Judge of Character 1938