Question

“Success and the absence of resistance tempted Hitler to reach out further and to take bigger risks.” How far this statement was correct with reference to the policy of appeasement?

Answer 1

1. Remilitarisation of the Rhineland (1936): Hitler violated the Treaty of Versailles by sending troops into the demilitarised Rhineland. Britain and France did not respond. This lack of opposition gave Hitler confidence.
2. Anschluss with Austria (1938): Hitler annexed Austria without using any force. The lack of international resistance confirmed to him that further expansion would not be challenged.
3. Munich Agreement (1938): Britain and France allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. This was the peak of appeasement. Hitler knew the Allies would make concessions to avoid war.
4. Occupation of Czechoslovakia (1939): Just months after Munich, Hitler broke his promise and took over all of Czechoslovakia. This showed that appeasement had failed to check his ambitions.
5. Invasion of Poland (1939): Emboldened by past successes, Hitler believed Britain and France would not act. But this time, his actions triggered World War II.