The coming of war, 1935–1941 revision notes

The Coming of War: Key Events and Themes (1935-1941)

Germany’s Challenges to the Treaty of Versailles

• Hitler’s Aims: Understand Hitler's desire to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, rearm Germany, and expand its territory.
• Actions Taken: Analyze key actions such as the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 and the annexation of Austria (Anschluss) in 1938.

International Response to Aggression

• Rhineland Crisis: Examine the lack of effective response from France and Britain when Hitler violated the Treaty.
• Spanish Civil War: Discuss how this conflict served as a testing ground for Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, and the implications for international relations.
• Aggression in Asia: Consider Japan's invasion of China and its implications for global stability.

Outbreak of War in Europe

• Appeasement Policy: Evaluate the policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France, particularly regarding the Munich Agreement.
• Czech Crisis and Poland: Analyze the events leading to the invasion of Czechoslovakia and the subsequent invasion of Poland, which triggered the war.
• Nazi-Soviet Pact: Discuss the significance of the non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union.

Escalation to World War

• Reasons for Escalation: Explore the factors that led to the transition from regional conflicts to a full-scale world war.
• Entry of the USA: Assess the impact of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the subsequent entry of the USA into the war.