British policy of appeasement

Definition

The British policy of appeasement was a diplomatic strategy aimed at preventing conflict by making concessions to aggressive powers, particularly Nazi Germany, during the 1930s. This approach was rooted in the belief that satisfying the demands of Hitler would maintain peace in Europe and prevent another devastating war. However, this policy ultimately failed, as it emboldened Hitler and led to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The policy of appeasement was driven by the trauma of World War I, as many leaders sought to avoid another large-scale conflict at all costs.
2. Appeasement included significant concessions such as allowing Germany to reoccupy the Rhineland and annex Austria before moving on to Czechoslovakia.
3. Critics of appeasement argued that it only encouraged further aggression from Hitler, undermining collective security efforts in Europe.
4. Public opinion in Britain initially supported appeasement, as many believed that Hitler's grievances were legitimate and that he could be reasoned with.
5. The failure of appeasement became evident with the invasion of Poland in September 1939, leading to the declaration of war by Britain and France against Germany.

Review Questions

• How did the British policy of appeasement influence international relations leading up to World War II?
  • The British policy of appeasement significantly impacted international relations as it allowed aggressive states like Nazi Germany to pursue expansionist policies without facing immediate consequences. By conceding to Hitler's demands, such as during the Munich Agreement, Britain and its allies inadvertently encouraged further aggression, undermining collective security efforts. This ultimately created a climate of distrust and instability in Europe that contributed directly to the outbreak of World War II.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the British policy of appeasement in addressing the threat posed by Nazi Germany.
  • The British policy of appeasement is often viewed as ineffective in addressing the threat posed by Nazi Germany. While it aimed to prevent conflict by making concessions, it failed to stop Hitler's expansionist ambitions. Instead of securing peace, appeasement emboldened Nazi Germany, leading to further territorial demands and aggression. The eventual realization that negotiations with Hitler were futile marked a turning point in Britain's foreign policy as they shifted towards a more confrontational stance.
• Assess the long-term consequences of the British policy of appeasement on post-war European politics and security.
  • The long-term consequences of the British policy of appeasement significantly shaped post-war European politics and security. The failure to confront Nazi Germany early on not only resulted in massive destruction during World War II but also created a power vacuum in Europe post-war. This vacuum contributed to the rise of the Soviet Union as a superpower and initiated a new era of geopolitical tension known as the Cold War. Additionally, lessons learned from appeasement influenced future policies regarding international conflicts and collective security mechanisms like NATO.

Related terms

Munich Agreement:

The 1938 settlement reached between Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy that allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia in an effort to appease Hitler.

Neville Chamberlain:

The British Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940, known for his policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany, famously declaring 'peace for our time' after the Munich Agreement.

Nazi Expansionism: The aggressive foreign policy pursued by Adolf Hitler that sought to expand German territory and influence, often justified through nationalist and racial ideologies.