Appeasement

Definition

Appeasement is a diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressor. This approach was notably used in the lead-up to World War II when European powers, particularly Britain and France, tried to prevent another devastating war by allowing Nazi Germany to expand its territory, believing that satisfying Hitler's demands would ensure peace. However, this strategy ultimately failed and contributed to the outbreak of global conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The policy of appeasement became especially prominent during the 1930s as Britain and France sought to maintain peace following the devastation of World War I.
2. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is often associated with appeasement, particularly for his role in the Munich Agreement that allowed Hitler to take over parts of Czechoslovakia.
3. Many historians argue that appeasement emboldened Hitler, leading him to make further territorial demands that ultimately escalated into World War II.
4. The failure of appeasement led to a shift in international relations post-World War II, emphasizing the importance of collective security and alliances to deter aggression.
5. Critics of appeasement argue that it was a misguided strategy that underestimated the ambitions of totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany.

Review Questions

• How did appeasement shape international relations in the 1930s, particularly concerning Germany's actions?
  • Appeasement significantly influenced international relations in the 1930s by allowing Nazi Germany to expand its territory with minimal resistance. Britain and France believed that conceding to some of Hitler's demands, like the Munich Agreement, would prevent another war. Instead, this strategy emboldened Hitler, encouraging him to pursue further aggressive actions without fear of intervention, which ultimately destabilized Europe and set the stage for World War II.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the appeasement policy as a means of maintaining peace in Europe during the interwar period.
  • The effectiveness of the appeasement policy is widely debated among historians. While it was intended to prevent conflict by satisfying aggressors like Hitler, it ultimately proved unsuccessful as it failed to deter further aggression. Instead of achieving lasting peace, appeasement is often seen as having encouraged more bold actions from totalitarian regimes, leading directly to the outbreak of World War II. The policy's shortcomings highlighted the need for a stronger approach to international diplomacy and security.
• In what ways did the lessons learned from the policy of appeasement influence post-World War II international relations and the formation of new global alliances?
  • The lessons from appeasement profoundly shaped post-World War II international relations by promoting a commitment to collective security and deterrence. Countries recognized that allowing aggressors unchecked power could lead to catastrophic consequences. As a result, new alliances like NATO were formed to ensure mutual defense against potential threats. This shift emphasized proactive engagement and collaboration among nations, contrasting sharply with the previous policy of concession, reflecting a significant change in global diplomatic strategies aimed at maintaining peace.

Related terms

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in 1938 between Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy that permitted Nazi Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.

Nazi Expansionism: The policy pursued by Adolf Hitler aimed at acquiring more territory for Germany, which included the annexation of Austria and demands on Czechoslovakia.

Collective Security: A system where states work together to enhance their security, aiming to prevent aggression through mutual agreements and alliances.