Policy of Appeasement Facts & Worksheets

The policy of appeasement refers to the diplomatic strategy pursued by several Western powers, primarily Great Britain and France, in the 1930s leading up to World War II. It involved giving concessions in response to the aggressive actions of Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, in order to avoid conflict and maintain peace.

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Key Facts & Information

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE THE POLICY

• The policy involved making concessions and compromises to Hitler’s demands in the hopes of avoiding war and maintaining peace in Europe.
• The core principle of appeasement was the belief that by meeting Hitler’s grievances and territorial ambitions, further aggression could be prevented, and stability maintained. 
• The policy was rooted in the desire to avoid a repeat of the devastating World War I, which had caused immense human suffering and economic destruction.
• Several other events and factors also contributed to the adoption of this policy:
• Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I created a sense of bitterness and humiliation. The treaty imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions on Germany, leading to economic and political instability within the country.
• War-weariness: The devastating impact of World War I and its high death toll left many European nations, particularly Britain and France, unwilling to engage in another conflict. 
• The desire to avoid another war and the associated human suffering influenced the policy of appeasement.
• Economic Depression: The Great Depression of the 1930s severely impacted global economies, including those of Britain and France. 
• Economic difficulties and widespread unemployment made these countries more hesitant to engage in military conflict and more inclined to seek diplomatic solutions.
• Pacifism and Disarmament: In the aftermath of World War I, pacifist sentiments were prevalent in many societies. People believed that disarmament and peaceful negotiations were the best ways to prevent future conflicts. 
• This mindset influenced the governments of Britain and France, who sought to avoid confrontation with Germany.
• Lack of Military Preparedness: After the trauma of World War I, Britain and France were unprepared for another large-scale conflict. Their armed forces were significantly weakened, and rearmament programs were slow to develop. This lack of military readiness contributed to the desire for appeasement.
• Rise of Nazi Germany: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in Germany in 1933. Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy and territorial ambitions, combined with his rearmament efforts, raised concerns among other European powers. 
• However, many initially underestimated the extent of Hitler’s intentions, hoping his demands could be satisfied through negotiations rather than war.
• Remilitarization of the Rhineland: In 1936, Hitler ordered the German military to reoccupy the Rhineland, a demilitarized zone established by the Treaty of Versailles. 
• Despite violating the treaty, Britain and France did not take military action against Germany, partly due to their appeasement policy.
• Annexation of Austria and Sudetenland: In 1938, Hitler successfully annexed Austria (Anschluss) and demanded the cession of the Sudetenland, a region in Czechoslovakia with a significant German-speaking population. 
• The Munich Agreement was signed in September 1938, allowing Germany to annex the Sudetenland, further appeasing Hitler’s expansionist ambitions.

FAILURE OF THE POLICY

• The policy of appeasement ultimately failed to prevent World War II and effectively address the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. There are several key reasons why appeasement failed:
• Misjudgment of Hitler’s Intentions: One of the primary reasons for the failure of appeasement was a misjudgment of Adolf Hitler’s true intentions. Many British and French leaders believed that by granting concessions and satisfying Hitler’s demands, they could prevent war and maintain peace. 
• However, Hitler’s ultimate goal was not just the satisfaction of specific territorial claims but the domination and expansion of Nazi Germany across Europe. 
• His aggressive actions continued despite the appeasement efforts, making it clear his ambitions were not limited to the initial demands.
• Weakness Perceived as Opportunity: Hitler and his advisors interpreted the policy of appeasement as a sign of weakness and indecisiveness on the part of the Western powers. Rather than being deterred by appeasement, Hitler saw it as an opportunity to further his expansionist agenda. 
• The lack of a strong and unified response from Britain and France encouraged him to take bolder steps, such as the invasion of Poland.
• Failure to Build Deterrent Capability: While pursuing appeasement, Britain and France failed to adequately build up their military capabilities and alliances to deter German aggression. 
• They relied on diplomatic negotiations and concessions without investing sufficiently in their military readiness. This lack of preparedness weakened their position emboldening Hitler to continue his aggressive actions.
• Underestimation of German Military Strength: There was a general underestimation of the military strength and capabilities of Nazi Germany. 
• Many believed Germany was not yet ready for a large-scale war and that appeasement would buy time for the Western powers to strengthen their defenses.
• However, Hitler’s rearmament efforts and the modernization of the German military were underestimated, and by the time the true extent of Germany’s military power was recognized, it was too late to effectively respond.
• Lack of Unity and Coordination: The policy of appeasement was pursued by Britain and France individually, rather than in a coordinated and unified manner. 
• This lack of unity weakened their position and allowed Hitler to exploit divisions and play off one country against the other. The failure to present a united front against German aggression undermined the effectiveness of appeasement as a strategy.
• Moral Hazard and Escalation: The policy of appeasement created a moral hazard by giving Hitler the impression his aggressive actions would receive a strong response. 
• This emboldened him to escalate his demands and push the boundaries further, leading to a series of annexations and invasions. The failure to draw a clear line and enforce consequences for Hitler’s actions only served to escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of war.
• In hindsight, the policy of appeasement is widely regarded as a flawed approach that failed to address the growing threat of Nazi Germany. It taught valuable lessons about the dangers of underestimating aggressors, the importance of maintaining military readiness, and the need for a firm and unified response to aggression to deter further escalation.

EFFECTS OF THE FAILURE OF THE POLICY

• Following the failure of appeasement, Britain and France abandoned their efforts to appease Hitler and adopted a policy of containment. They recognized the need to strengthen their military capabilities and formed alliances with other countries to counter the growing threat of Nazi Germany. Diplomatic efforts were also intensified to build a broader coalition against German aggression.
• The failure of appeasement served as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of early intervention and decisive action in the face of aggression. It underscored the need for a unified front, both militarily and diplomatically, to deter further expansionist moves by Nazi Germany. 
• Ultimately, the failure of appeasement paved the way for a more determined approach and a commitment to stop Hitler’s aggression, eventually leading to the outbreak of World War II.

Policy of Appeasement Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Policy of Appeasement across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Policy of Appeasement. The Policy of Appeasement refers to the diplomatic strategy pursued by several Western powers, primarily Great Britain and France, in the 1930s leading up to World War II.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Policy of Appeasement Facts
2. The Policy Summarized
3. The Effects of WWI
4. Setting Priorities
5. The Policies
6. Neville Chamberlain
7. Adolf Hitler
8. Political Cartoon
9. Results of the Failure
10. Learning from Historical Mistakes
11. Situational Responses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the policy of appeasement?

The policy of appeasement refers to a diplomatic strategy employed by certain nations in the 1930s, particularly towards Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. It involved making concessions and compromises in order to avoid conflict and maintain peace.

Why was the policy of appeasement adopted?

The policy of appeasement was adopted by some countries, most notably Britain and France, in response to the aggressive expansionist aims of Nazi Germany. It was influenced by the desire to avoid another devastating war after the experience of World War I and a perception that addressing Germany’s grievances might lead to stability and prevent conflict.

What were the main consequences of the policy of appeasement?

The policy of appeasement ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of World War II. By allowing Germany to annex territories, such as the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, without significant resistance, it emboldened Hitler’s ambitions and undermined the credibility of international agreements. The policy has been widely criticized for enabling Hitler’s aggression and delaying the collective response needed to confront the growing threat.

Were there any justifications for the policy of appeasement?

Proponents of the policy argued that it provided additional time for military preparations, allowed for diplomatic negotiations, and aimed to prevent further bloodshed. Some believed that addressing Germany’s grievances might reduce the likelihood of war. However, in retrospect, these justifications have been heavily criticized for underestimating Hitler’s intentions and the risks associated with appeasement.

What lessons were learned from the policy of appeasement?

The policy of appeasement served as a significant lesson in the dangers of failing to confront aggression and appeasing expansionist powers. It highlighted the importance of standing up to threats early on and the necessity of collective security and international cooperation in maintaining peace and preventing conflicts.

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