The International Response to German Aggression (1933–1938)
The Context of German Aggression
- Withdrawal from the League of Nations (1933): Germany signaled its rejection of international oversight.
- Rearmament (1935): Germany reintroduced conscription and expanded its military, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
- Remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936): German troops entered the demilitarized zone, defying both the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties.
- Anschluss with Austria (1938): Germany annexed Austria, further destabilizing Europe.
- Sudetenland Crisis (1938): Hitler demanded the Sudetenland, leading to the Munich Agreement.
These actions were part of Hitler's broader strategy to overturn the post-World War I order and expand German territory.
The International Response to German Rearmament
- Germany's Withdrawal from the Disarmament Conference (1933):
- Germany left the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference, citing unfair treatment.
- This move signaled Germany's intent to rearm independently.
- British and French Reactions:
- Britain initially sought compromise, proposing to allow Germany a larger army and air force.
- However, Germany's introduction of conscription in 1935 ended these efforts.
- The Stresa Front (1935):
- Britain, France, and Italy formed the Stresa Front to oppose German rearmament.
- This alliance was weakened by:
- The Franco-Soviet Mutual Assistance Treaty, which alienated Italy.
- The Anglo-German Naval Agreement, allowing Germany to expand its navy, undermining the Stresa Front.
- When evaluating the policy of non-intervention, consider:
- How it disproportionately affected the Spanish Republicans by preventing them from receiving aid.
- While the Nationalists benefited from German and Italian support.
