German Rearmament

Definition

German rearmament refers to the process by which Germany rebuilt its military capabilities after World War I, particularly during the 1930s under Adolf Hitler's regime. This initiative was characterized by violations of the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed strict limits on Germany's military size and capabilities. Rearmament played a crucial role in the broader context of escalating tensions that contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hitler's regime began rearmament secretly in the early 1930s, defying the Treaty of Versailles by increasing the size of the German army and developing new weapons.
2. In 1935, Germany openly announced its rearmament program, including conscription and the establishment of an air force, which had also been prohibited by the Treaty.
3. The remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 was a significant step in German rearmament, where German troops entered a demilitarized zone, testing the resolve of France and Britain.
4. Rearmament was a key part of Hitler's aggressive foreign policy aimed at reversing the humiliation of defeat in World War I and restoring Germany as a dominant power in Europe.
5. The lack of immediate action from other European powers in response to German rearmament contributed to further emboldening Hitler’s ambitions, leading to his expansionist policies.

Review Questions

• How did German rearmament challenge the Treaty of Versailles and what were its initial impacts on Europe?
  • German rearmament directly violated the Treaty of Versailles, which had significantly limited Germany's military capabilities. The initial impacts included a shift in the balance of power in Europe, as Germany began to rebuild its army and air force. This escalation raised concerns among neighboring countries, who were unsure how to respond to Germany's aggressive moves and ultimately paved the way for increased militarization across Europe.
• Evaluate the role of Hitler's foreign policy in facilitating German rearmament during the 1930s.
  • Hitler's foreign policy played a critical role in facilitating German rearmament by promoting nationalism and revanchism. His ideology emphasized restoring Germany's former glory and military strength, which garnered significant public support for rearmament efforts. This policy also included strategic decisions like remilitarizing the Rhineland and forming alliances with other countries that shared his militaristic views, allowing Germany to rapidly expand its military capabilities without facing immediate opposition from major powers.
• Analyze the long-term consequences of German rearmament on global relations leading up to World War II.
  • The long-term consequences of German rearmament significantly altered global relations by fostering an environment of mistrust and aggression among European powers. As Germany continued to expand its military strength without facing serious repercussions, it encouraged other nations to militarize as well. The failure of Britain and France to effectively respond not only emboldened Hitler but also set a dangerous precedent that ultimately culminated in the outbreak of World War II as countries scrambled to form alliances and prepare for an inevitable conflict.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles:

The peace treaty that officially ended World War I in 1919, imposing heavy reparations and military restrictions on Germany.

Nazism:

The political ideology associated with the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, emphasizing nationalism, militarism, and racial superiority.

Militarization: The process of equipping and preparing a country's armed forces for war, often involving increased defense spending and troop mobilization.