Policy of Appeasement

Definition

The policy of appeasement is a diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressive power. This approach was notably applied by European leaders in the 1930s, particularly towards fascist regimes like Nazi Germany, with the hope that satisfying their territorial demands would maintain peace in Europe. However, this tactic ultimately failed and contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The policy of appeasement was most prominently associated with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who believed it could prevent another devastating war after World War I.
2. Appeasement allowed Hitler to strengthen Germany's military and territorial claims without facing immediate consequences, emboldening his regime.
3. Critics of appeasement argued that it only delayed conflict and underestimated the ambitions of totalitarian regimes.
4. The failure of appeasement became apparent when Germany invaded Poland in 1939, leading to the start of World War II.
5. The policy of appeasement is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating aggressive leaders and the need for firm responses to threats.

Review Questions

• How did the policy of appeasement reflect the attitudes of European leaders towards fascism in the 1930s?
  • European leaders, particularly Chamberlain and French Premier Daladier, believed that conceding to Hitler's demands would prevent another major war. This mindset reflected a desire to maintain peace and stability following the trauma of World War I. However, this approach ultimately underestimated the aggressive intentions of fascist regimes and resulted in significant territorial losses for nations like Czechoslovakia.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Munich Agreement as a result of the policy of appeasement on Europe’s political landscape.
  • The Munich Agreement had profound consequences for Europe's political landscape, as it not only allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland but also encouraged further aggression from Hitler. It eroded trust between European powers and showcased the inability of collective security arrangements to deter fascist expansion. The agreement set a dangerous precedent, leading to further invasions and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.
• Assess how the failures of appeasement reshaped post-war attitudes toward international relations and military alliances.
  • The failures of appeasement fundamentally reshaped post-war attitudes by emphasizing the importance of collective security and strong military alliances against aggressive states. The experiences from World War II led to a stronger resolve among nations to confront threats early on, resulting in institutions like NATO. Additionally, it fostered a broader understanding that diplomacy should not come at the expense of enabling tyranny, which influenced international relations strategies during the Cold War and beyond.

Related terms

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in 1938 allowing Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, specifically the Sudetenland, as part of the policy of appeasement.

Nazi Expansionism: The aggressive foreign policy pursued by Adolf Hitler aimed at acquiring living space for Germans and expanding German territory across Europe.

Isolationism: A foreign policy doctrine wherein a country seeks to avoid involvement in international affairs, often used by the United States during the interwar period.