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Appeasement and the Road To War The Reoccupation of the Rhineland Aims: To look at the position of the Rhineland by 1936. To identify the importance of the Rhineland to both Germany and France. Importance of the Rhineland 15 million Germans lived there Had been demilitarised as part of the Treaty of Versailles France had at one point wanted the Rhineland to become a small independent republic. Demilitarisation of the Rhineland was reinforced by the Treaty of Locarno 1925. Franco-German Hostility France had been invaded twice by Germany in 1870 and 1914 France feared Germany wanted revenge for the Treaty of Versailles Rhineland provided an important buffer between France and Germany. France regarded the area as essential for her long-term security. Treaty of Locarno 1925 Signed by Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Germany accepted and recognised her Western borders with France and Belgium. Britain and Italy would act as guarantors of this treaty. No mention was made of Germany’s eastern borders. Class Discussion Why do you think that the Rhineland was important to Hitler? Think about: • • Aims of Hitler’s foreign policy Ethnic table – Cameron page 16 Why March 1936? The French Parliament had just ratified the Franco-Soviet pact in February 1936. Both countries agreed to come to the other’s assistance if they were attacked. Hitler claimed this was an attempt by hostile powers to encircle Germany – on the 7th March 1936 22,000 German troops moved into the Rhineland. France was between governments and in the middle of a general election campaign. The invasion took place on a Saturday when politicians were away for the weekend. Events were a ‘fait accompli’ by the time politicians could formulate a response. Hitler’s Viewpoint ‘Why must Germany continue to be threatened? France refuses to disarm and has now made a treaty with Russia. Why? A look at the map of Europe will tell you. France and Russia want to destroy Germany. We are facing a threat from two sides. We must defend ourselves. The first step must be to defend our borders in the Rhineland. It is not fair that France could easily attack us and destroy our industry. We must have a strong frontier, defended by our brave soldiers.’ Reoccupation of the Rhineland – Key Opinions Study the following sources which outline different views on the Rhineland crisis. In your own words, explain the view contained in each source. Hitler’s Viewpoint ‘The 48 hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most nerveracking of my life. If the French has then marched into the Rhineland, we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs.’ Lord Lothian’s Viewpoint ‘They are only going into their own back garden. Lord Lothian was an influential British politician and diplomat during the 1920s and 1930s. Stanley Baldwin’s Viewpoint Military intervention would be ‘out of proportion to what Germany had done’ Baldwin was the British Prime Minister at the time of the Rhineland crisis. Harold Nicholson’s Viewpoint ‘We know that Hitler gambled on this coup. Thus if we send an ultimatum to Germany she ought in all reason to climb down. But what is the good of that? It would only mean communism in Germany…….. Moreover the people of this country absolutely refuse to have a war. Nicholson was a Labour MP at the time of the Rhineland crisis. AJP Taylor’s Viewpoint ‘It has been said at the time, and has often been said since, that 7 March 1936 was ‘the last chance’….when Germany could have been stopped without all the sacrifice and suffering of a great war. Technically, on paper this was true: the French had a great army, and the Germans had none.’ AJP Taylor, a well-known historian who wrote ‘The Origins of the Second World War’ in 1964 Reaction to the Reoccupation Aim: To examine the reaction of Britain, France and Germany to the reoccupation of the Rhineland. The French Reaction • • • • Politically unstable – there had been rioting by right wing fascist groups in 1934. There was concern this might happen again. They were in the middle of an election Overestimated strength of the German army Would not take action without British support The British Reaction Lord Lothian ‘They are only going into their own back garden’ Stanley Baldwin – Prime Minister Military intervention would be ‘out of proportion to what Germany had done’ The British Reaction No great opposition from public. Many politicians felt that the Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh on Germany Franco-Soviet Pact had unduly provoked Hitler. The Rhineland was German territory Military defeat of Hitler could lead to a communist takeover in Germany. A more conciliatory approach was needed rather than confrontation. The German Reaction Hitler suggested: • • A new demilitarised zone on both sides of the French-German border That perhaps Germany might return to the League AND resume disarmament talks. 3. 4. 6. 1. 2. 5.