German challenges to the postwar settlement (1933–1938)
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Flip to reveal answersWhat did the Treaty of Versailles (1919) restrict for Germany?
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All 12 Flashcards — German challenges to the postwar settlement (1933–1938)
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Question
What did the Treaty of Versailles (1919) restrict for Germany?
Answer
It disarmed Germany, limited its army and navy, demilitarized the Rhineland, and banned union with Austria.
Question
What did Hitler do in 1933 regarding the League and Disarmament?
Answer
He withdrew Germany from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations, claiming others would not disarm to Germany's level.
Question
What happened in 1935 with rearmament?
Answer
Hitler publicly announced an air force and conscription, openly breaking Versailles arms limits.
Question
What was the Anglo-German Naval Agreement (1935)?
Answer
Britain agreed Germany could build a navy up to 35% of the Royal Navy's size, undermining Versailles bilaterally.
Question
When and what was the remilitarization of the Rhineland?
Answer
March 1936 — German troops re-entered the demilitarized Rhineland, with orders to retreat if challenged. France did not act.
Question
What were the Rome-Berlin Axis and Anti-Comintern Pact (1936)?
Answer
Germany aligned with Italy (Axis) and signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan against the USSR, ending its diplomatic isolation.
Question
What was the Anschluss and when did it happen?
Answer
March 1938 — the forced union of Germany and Austria, forbidden by Versailles. No power intervened.
Question
What did the Munich Agreement (Sept 1938) decide?
Answer
Britain, France, Germany and Italy agreed to hand the Sudetenland to Germany without Czech consent — the climax of appeasement.
Question
Define salami tactics.
Answer
Taking territory or rights one thin slice at a time so no single act provokes war.
Question
Define appeasement.
Answer
The British and French policy of giving in to Hitler's demands to avoid another war.
Question
Why did Hitler's steps generally succeed? (compare reasons)
Answer
Steps were small (salami tactics); demands looked partly fair (self-determination); the Allies were unready, depression-hit, and reluctant after WWI; some saw a strong Germany as a buffer against the USSR.
Question
What is the step-by-step process of dismantling Versailles (1933–38)?
Answer
1933 leave Disarmament/League → 1935 rearmament + Naval Agreement → 1936 Rhineland + Axis → 1938 Anschluss → Sept 1938 Sudetenland via Munich.
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German and Italian expansion (1933–1940)
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