How did the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935 differ from the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles had strictly limited the German navy to 15,000 men and no submarines. The 1935 agreement legalized German rearmament by allowing them 35% of Britain's naval strength and 45% of its submarines.

In what way did the occupation of the Sudetenland differ from the invasion of Prague in March 1939?

The Sudetenland contained 3.5 million ethnic Germans and could be argued as 'self-determination'. The invasion of Prague involved non-German territory, proving Hitler's goal was imperial conquest rather than just uniting German speakers.

How did the Stresa Front compare to the Anglo-German Naval Agreement in terms of diplomatic unity?

The Stresa Front was a united agreement between Britain, France, and Italy to oppose Hitler. The Naval Agreement was a bilateral deal by Britain that broke this unity, showing that Britain was prioritizing its own naval security over European collective action.

What is the misconception that Chamberlain was simply a 'weak' or 'spineless' leader?

This ignores the historical context that Britain was militarily unready for war in 1938 and faced immense public pressure to avoid conflict. Chamberlain's policy was a pragmatic attempt to buy time for rearmament while testing Hitler's sincerity.

Why is it incorrect to say that Hitler's demands were always viewed as illegitimate by the British public?

Many in Britain believed the Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh. Therefore, Hitler's early demands for the Rhineland and Anschluss were often seen as 'just' attempts to reclaim what was rightfully German.

Why is it a mistake to assume the League of Nations was a factor in the Munich Agreement?

By 1938, the League had been completely sidelined due to its failures in Manchuria and Abyssinia. The Munich Agreement was negotiated entirely outside the League's framework by the major European powers.

What were the naval ratios established by the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of 1935?

Germany was permitted to have a surface fleet 35% the size of the British Royal Navy. Additionally, they were allowed a submarine fleet reaching 45% of Britain's submarine strength.

What was the 'Stresa Front' of 1935?

An agreement between Britain, France, and Italy aimed at maintaining the status quo in Europe and opposing Hitler's attempts to break the Treaty of Versailles. It collapsed shortly after due to the Abyssinian Crisis and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement.

What were the primary terms of the Munich Agreement signed in September 1938?

It stated that Germany would gain the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia immediately. In return, Hitler promised that Czechoslovakia would keep the rest of its territory and that he had no further territorial demands.

Why did the Sudetenland have strategic importance for the defense of Czechoslovakia?

It contained the country's primary mountain fortifications and the Skoda armament factory. Losing this region left the rest of Czechoslovakia defenseless against future German aggression.

How Did Appeasement Work in Practice? | Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE History

Revision Notes

IGCSE

Cambridge International Examinations

History

The 20th Century: International Relations from 1919

How Did Appeasement Work in Practice?

Summary

The policy of appeasement was a diplomatic strategy employed by Britain and France in the 1930s to avoid a major European war by making concessions to Nazi Germany. It transitioned from limited naval agreements to the surrender of entire territories, eventually failing when Hitler's occupation of non-German lands proved his expansionist goals were limitless.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Appeasement is a diplomatic policy of making political, material, or territorial concessions to an aggressive power in order to avoid a wider conflict. In the 1930s, this policy was primarily driven by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French leaders who sought to resolve German grievances peacefully.

The core concept rested on the belief that Hitler was a rational actor whose demands were limited to revising the perceived injustices of the Treaty of Versailles. Leaders hoped that by satisfying these specific nationalist goals, Germany would become a stable and peaceful member of the European community.

This policy was not merely a choice of 'weakness' but was influenced by military unreadiness, the economic impact of the Great Depression, and a deep-seated public horror of a Second World War. Britain and France used diplomacy as a tool to buy time for their own rearmament programs.

A step diagram showing the progression of appeasement from the 1935 Naval Agreement to the 1939 invasion of Czechoslovakia, illustrating increasing levels of German aggression.

2. Underlying Principles

The logic of appeasement was centered on collective security and balance of power. British leaders believed that the Stresa Front (Britain, France, Italy) was too fragile to contain Hitler and that a direct bilateral relationship with Germany might be more effective in limiting rearmament.

Another principle was the prevention of a two-front war. Britain was concerned about its colonies and the rise of Japan in the East; by appeasing Hitler, they hoped to avoid being forced to fight in both Europe and Asia simultaneously.

Finally, there was a widespread belief in Revisionist History, which suggested that the Treaty of Versailles had been excessively harsh. Consequently, many leaders felt that allowing Germany to reclaim German-speaking lands was a matter of restorative justice rather than simple submission.

3. Methods & Techniques

4. Key Distinctions

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions