key term - Little Entente

Definition

The Little Entente was a military and political alliance formed in 1920 between Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia, primarily aimed at countering the threat posed by Hungary after World War I. This alliance was significant in the interwar period as it represented an attempt by smaller nations in Eastern Europe to maintain their sovereignty and security against larger powers, particularly in the context of rising fascism and the policies of appeasement that characterized European responses during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Little Entente was formed as a response to Hungary's revisionist ambitions following the Treaty of Trianon, which resulted in significant territorial losses for Hungary.
2. Czechoslovakia played a leading role in the alliance, providing military strength and organization to counter any threats from Hungary.
3. The Little Entente sought to promote cooperation among its members through mutual defense agreements and regular consultations on military strategies.
4. The alliance was significant in the context of rising fascism as it aimed to create a bulwark against both Hungarian irredentism and the broader expansionist aims of fascist regimes in Europe.
5. Despite its initial successes, the Little Entente ultimately struggled with internal divisions and external pressures, particularly as appeasement policies gained traction in Europe during the 1930s.

Review Questions

• How did the Little Entente reflect the concerns of Eastern European countries regarding their security after World War I?
  • The Little Entente showcased the fears of Eastern European nations like Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia about potential aggression from Hungary and the broader instability created by territorial changes after World War I. By forming this alliance, these nations aimed to ensure their sovereignty against any revisionist aspirations from Hungary, which sought to reclaim lost territories. The alliance also illustrated how smaller states felt the need to band together for collective security amid growing tensions in Europe.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Little Entente in countering the threats posed by Hungary and rising fascism in Europe.
  • While the Little Entente had some successes in promoting military cooperation and demonstrating solidarity among member states, its overall effectiveness was limited. The alliance was hampered by internal divisions and differing national interests, which weakened its ability to respond decisively to external threats. Furthermore, as fascist movements gained momentum across Europe and major powers like Germany adopted appeasement strategies, the Little Entente struggled to assert itself against these larger forces, ultimately leading to its decline.
• Critically analyze how the policies of appeasement during the 1930s affected the stability of alliances like the Little Entente.
  • The policies of appeasement during the 1930s severely undermined alliances like the Little Entente by shifting focus away from collective security towards avoiding confrontation with aggressive powers. As Britain and France chose to appease fascist regimes rather than support smaller allies facing aggression, nations within the Little Entente felt increasingly isolated. This lack of support contributed to a sense of vulnerability among its members and weakened their resolve to counter Hungarian ambitions or confront rising fascism effectively, ultimately diminishing the alliance's significance in maintaining regional stability.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles:

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which also contributed to instability in Europe.

Fascism: A far-right political ideology characterized by authoritarian nationalism, dictatorial power, and suppression of opposition, which gained traction in several European countries during the interwar period.

Appeasement: The diplomatic policy of making concessions to an aggressive power to avoid conflict, notably employed by Britain and France towards Nazi Germany before World War II.