Revision of Versailles and Diplomatic Gains (1933–1936)
- Hitler’s foreign policy aimed to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, unite all ethnic Germans in a Greater Germany, and secure Lebensraum in Eastern Europe.
- Early moves were cautious to avoid provoking Britain and France, while secretly beginning rearmament in 1933.
- The Saarland returned to Germany in January 1935 via a League-supervised plebiscite, with over 90% voting in favour.
- In March 1935, Germany openly reintroduced conscription and expanded the army beyond the 100,000 limit, winning mass domestic approval.
- The remilitarisation of the Rhineland in March 1936, conducted with only 22,000 troops, met no military resistance from France or Britain and boosted Hitler’s prestige.
- Propaganda presented these moves as peaceful national justice, reinforcing Hitler’s image as a skilful statesman.
Remilitarisation of the Rhineland (1936)
- Conducted with only 22,000 German troops in violation of Versailles.
- France had 100,000 troops nearby but did not act, partly due to political divisions and reliance on Britain.
- Hitler later admitted he would have ordered a retreat if France had opposed the move.
- Propaganda celebrated it as a bold stand for sovereignty, increasing Hitler’s popularity at home.
- Marked a turning point, as it emboldened further revisionist steps without fear of Allied intervention.
Expansion and Alliance Building (1936–1939)
- The Rome–Berlin Axis was signed in October 1936, aligning Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany.
