History of World Wars

Unit 2 • Chapter 3

Appeasement and Aggression

Summary

Britain and France's appeasement of Hitler and Mussolini in the years leading up to World War II allowed the fascist powers to grow in strength, making the war inevitable. Economic troubles and military weaknesses prevented these nations from taking a harder line. The reintroduction of conscription by Hitler in 1935 and the Italian conquest of Ethiopia highlighted the limitations of the Allies. The militarization of the Rhineland by Germany drew no response due to political problems. The annexation of Austria and the demand for the Sudetenland by Hitler led to the Munich Conference, where Czechoslovakia was forced to cede territory to Germany. The appeasement policy failed to achieve the Allies goals.

Concept Check

What major act of appeasement occurred when Hitler reintroduced conscription in 1935?

Which country took the lead in pressuring Britain not to confront Italy's conquest of Ethiopia?

What did the Munich conference agreement involve regarding the Sudetenland?