Policy of Appeasement

Definition

The Policy of Appeasement refers to the diplomatic strategy employed primarily by Britain and France in the lead-up to World War II, aimed at preventing conflict by making concessions to aggressive powers like Nazi Germany. This policy was rooted in the desire to avoid another devastating war and was characterized by a willingness to tolerate violations of international agreements, such as Germany's annexation of Austria and demands on Czechoslovakia. The failure of appeasement ultimately emboldened totalitarian regimes and contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Policy of Appeasement was largely influenced by the memories of World War I, with many leaders believing that conceding to some demands could maintain peace.
2. Key events illustrating appeasement include the Munich Agreement of 1938, where leaders like Neville Chamberlain famously declared that it brought 'peace for our time.'
3. The policy was highly controversial, as critics argued it only encouraged further aggression from Hitler and weakened the resolve of democratic nations.
4. Appeasement effectively ended when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
5. The legacy of appeasement continues to be debated among historians, with discussions surrounding whether it was a misguided attempt at diplomacy or a necessary strategy at the time.

Review Questions

• How did the Policy of Appeasement reflect the attitudes of European leaders toward conflict and diplomacy in the 1930s?
  • The Policy of Appeasement demonstrated a deep-seated fear among European leaders of another large-scale war, especially given the devastation of World War I. This led them to adopt a conciliatory approach toward aggressive powers like Nazi Germany, believing that making concessions could avert conflict. The desire for peace outweighed concerns about encouraging further aggression, showcasing a reluctance to confront totalitarian regimes directly.
• Evaluate the impact of the Munich Agreement on the effectiveness of the Policy of Appeasement and subsequent events leading up to World War II.
  • The Munich Agreement significantly undermined the effectiveness of the Policy of Appeasement as it allowed Nazi Germany to expand its territory without facing consequences. While it was celebrated by some as a success in maintaining peace temporarily, it ultimately failed because it did not stop Hitler's ambitions. Instead, it emboldened him further, leading to more aggressive actions that culminated in the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II.
• Analyze how the Policy of Appeasement is viewed differently in historical narratives regarding its necessity or folly, particularly concerning its outcomes.
  • Historical narratives around the Policy of Appeasement vary widely; some view it as a necessary evil given the context of economic depression and war fatigue in Europe during the 1930s. Others argue that it was a grave miscalculation that ultimately enabled Hitler's expansionist policies. The outcomes speak volumes: while proponents believed they were buying time for rearmament and better preparation for war, critics contend that this approach only delayed inevitable conflict and allowed Nazi Germany to grow stronger unchecked.

Related terms

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in September 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia in exchange for a promise of no further territorial expansion.

Totalitarianism: A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, exemplified by regimes like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

Nazi Expansionism: The policy pursued by Adolf Hitler's regime aimed at acquiring additional territory for Germany, justified by the idea of Lebensraum or 'living space' for the German people.