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Total Categories: 6
Nazi Germany's remilitarisation of the Rhineland on March 7, 1936, was an action consistent with the terms stipulated by the Treaty of Versailles.
Answer: False
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland on March 7, 1936, directly contravened Articles 42, 43, and 44 of the Treaty of Versailles, which explicitly prohibited Germany from maintaining or constructing fortifications in the region.
The Locarno Treaties of 1925 permanently established the demilitarised status of the Rhineland, representing Germany's voluntary agreement to these terms.
Answer: True
The Locarno Treaties solidified the demilitarised status of the Rhineland permanently. They were significant as they represented Germany's voluntary acceptance of these demilitarisation terms, in contrast to the terms imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
Approximately 50,000 German troops entered the Rhineland on March 7, 1936, accompanied by a significant air force contingent.
Answer: True
On March 7, 1936, nineteen German infantry battalions, along with a small number of aircraft, entered the Rhineland. Some accounts suggest the total number of troops involved was around 50,000.
On what date did Nazi Germany remilitarise the Rhineland?
Answer: March 7, 1936
Nazi Germany remilitarised the Rhineland on March 7, 1936, marking a significant violation of the post-World War I international agreements.
Which two sets of treaties did Germany violate by remilitarising the Rhineland?
Answer: The Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties
Germany's remilitarisation of the Rhineland violated Articles 42, 43, and 44 of the Treaty of Versailles and Articles 1 and 2 of the Locarno Treaties, both of which stipulated that the Rhineland was to remain demilitarised.
What was the primary purpose of prohibiting fortifications in the Rhineland under the Treaty of Versailles?
Answer: To enhance the security of France and other European nations
The Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from maintaining or constructing any fortifications on the left bank of the Rhine or within 50 kilometers east of it. This measure was intended to enhance the security of France and other European nations by creating a buffer zone.
How did the Locarno Treaties differ from the Treaty of Versailles regarding the Rhineland's demilitarised status?
Answer: The Locarno Treaties represented Germany's voluntary acceptance of demilitarisation.
While the Treaty of Versailles imposed demilitarisation on Germany, the Locarno Treaties of 1925 represented Germany's voluntary acceptance of these terms, solidifying the demilitarised status of the Rhineland.
When did the last Allied occupation forces withdraw from the Rhineland?
Answer: June 1930
The final Allied occupation forces withdrew from the Rhineland in June 1930. This withdrawal marked the conclusion of the immediate Allied military presence in the region, preceding Germany's subsequent remilitarisation in 1936.
Adolf Hitler cited the ratification of the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance as the primary justification for remilitarising the Rhineland.
Answer: True
Adolf Hitler cited the ratification of the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance in January 1936 as the pretext for remilitarising the Rhineland, arguing that this treaty violated the Locarno Pact and created a strategic threat to Germany.
German Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath advised Hitler to invoke the arbitration clause of the Locarno Treaties regarding the Rhineland.
Answer: False
Konstantin von Neurath advised Hitler against invoking the arbitration clause of the Locarno Treaties, fearing it would remove their pretext for remilitarisation. He also assured Hitler that France would not intervene militarily, which enhanced Neurath's standing with Hitler.
What specific international agreement's ratification did Hitler use as a pretext for remilitarising the Rhineland?
Answer: The Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance
Adolf Hitler employed the ratification of the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance in January 1936 as a pretext for remilitarising the Rhineland. He contended that this treaty contravened the Locarno Pact and posed a strategic threat to Germany.
What advice did German Foreign Minister Konstantin von Neurath give Hitler concerning the Locarno Treaties during the Rhineland crisis?
Answer: To avoid invoking the arbitration clause to maintain their pretext.
Konstantin von Neurath advised Hitler against invoking the arbitration clause of the Locarno Treaties, anticipating that doing so would undermine their pretext for remilitarisation. He also reassured Hitler that France would refrain from military intervention, which consequently enhanced Neurath's standing with Hitler.
France's hesitant response to the Rhineland crisis was partly due to its strong economic position and stable political climate in 1936.
Answer: False
France possessed a superior military force but was hampered by severe economic difficulties, a financial crisis, and political instability. These factors contributed to the government's hesitation to engage militarily.
The French intelligence service (Deuxième Bureau) accurately assessed the number of German troops entering the Rhineland.
Answer: False
The French intelligence service overestimated the number of German troops present in the Rhineland during the crisis. This miscalculation contributed to the French government's hesitation and its decision not to take military action.
The reluctance of British Dominions to support military action against Germany influenced Britain's cautious stance during the Rhineland crisis.
Answer: True
The reluctance of Dominions like South Africa and Canada to support military action against Germany influenced Britain's cautious stance. Their lack of commitment meant Britain was unwilling to engage in a major conflict without broader Commonwealth support.
Following the remilitarisation, Belgium strengthened its defensive alliance with France.
Answer: False
Following the remilitarisation, Belgium abandoned its defensive alliance with France and reverted to a policy of neutrality. This decision meant that Germany no longer faced the threat of an Allied offensive through Belgium.
Poland affirmed its alliance with France and pledged to intervene militarily if France took action regarding the Rhineland remilitarisation.
Answer: False
Poland affirmed its alliance with France but stated it would only intervene if France itself was invaded. Simultaneously, Poland assured Germany that it would remain neutral if France took action regarding the Rhineland remilitarisation.
The United States actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Rhineland crisis in 1936.
Answer: False
The United States maintained a strict isolationist policy, taking a 'hands off' approach to the crisis. President Franklin D. Roosevelt avoided direct engagement, reflecting the prevailing sentiment of non-intervention.
The Soviet Union publicly condemned Germany's actions in the Rhineland while privately seeking closer political ties.
Answer: True
Publicly, the Soviet Union condemned Germany's actions and advocated for collective security through the League of Nations. Privately, however, Soviet diplomats sought to improve commercial and political relations with Germany.
Pope Pius XI believed that France's inaction during the Rhineland crisis was the correct course of action.
Answer: False
Pope Pius XI reportedly expressed that France would have served a greater good by taking immediate military action to expel German troops from the Rhineland. His comment suggested that a firmer response might have prevented future conflicts.
The League of Nations imposed significant sanctions on Germany following the Rhineland remilitarisation.
Answer: False
The League of Nations Council determined that Germany's actions constituted a breach of the Treaties of Versailles and Locarno. However, only the Soviet Union supported imposing sanctions, as many member states were economically dependent on Germany and unwilling to take punitive measures.
Which of the following was NOT a factor contributing to France's hesitant response to the Rhineland remilitarisation?
Answer: A strong, unified military command eager for confrontation
France's hesitant response was influenced by economic difficulties, political instability, and an overestimation of German troop numbers by its intelligence service. A strong, unified military command eager for confrontation was not a factor; rather, the military leadership was cautious.
What was the stance of the United States towards the Rhineland crisis in 1936?
Answer: A strict isolationist, 'hands off' approach
The United States adhered to a strict isolationist policy, adopting a 'hands off' approach to the Rhineland crisis. President Franklin D. Roosevelt deliberately avoided direct engagement, reflecting the prevailing domestic sentiment against foreign intervention.
What was the outcome of the League of Nations' deliberations regarding the Rhineland remilitarisation?
Answer: The League declared Germany's actions a breach of treaties, but no sanctions were applied.
The League of Nations Council formally determined that Germany's actions constituted a breach of the Treaties of Versailles and Locarno. Nevertheless, only the Soviet Union advocated for the imposition of sanctions, as numerous member states were economically interdependent with Germany and reluctant to enact punitive measures.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland significantly strengthened Germany's strategic position in Western Europe and emboldened Hitler's subsequent foreign policy actions.
Answer: True
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland significantly shifted the balance of power in Europe in favor of Germany. It removed a key strategic constraint, enabling Germany to pursue more aggressive foreign policies in Western Europe and emboldening Hitler.
After remilitarising the Rhineland, Germany immediately began constructing the Maginot Line fortifications.
Answer: False
Following the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, Germany commenced the construction of the Siegfried Line (Westwall). The Maginot Line was a French defensive fortification system.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland strengthened France's credibility as an ally for Eastern European nations.
Answer: False
The remilitarisation undermined France's credibility as an ally for Eastern European nations like Czechoslovakia and Romania. These countries began to doubt France's willingness or ability to deter German aggression, leading them to reconsider their alliances.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland improved the strategic value of France's Maginot Line by providing a more secure defensive position.
Answer: False
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland and subsequent German construction of the Siegfried Line meant that France's Maginot Line faced direct German fortifications. This limited France's offensive capabilities and increased the vulnerability of its Eastern European allies.
Winston Churchill predicted that German fortifications in the Rhineland would enable a future offensive through Belgium and Holland.
Answer: True
Winston Churchill accurately predicted that the German fortifications in the Rhineland would allow Germany to concentrate its forces for an offensive through Belgium and Holland, foreshadowing the German invasion of France in 1940.
What was the strategic consequence of the Rhineland remilitarisation for Germany?
Answer: It removed a key strategic constraint and enabled more aggressive foreign policies.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland significantly shifted the balance of power in Europe in favor of Germany. It removed a key strategic constraint, enabling Germany to pursue more aggressive foreign policies in Western Europe and emboldening Hitler.
What significant defensive fortification did Germany begin constructing after remilitarising the Rhineland?
Answer: The Siegfried Line
Subsequent to the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, Germany initiated the construction of the Siegfried Line, also known as the Westwall. This extensive network of fortifications was strategically positioned along Germany's western border, primarily facing France and Belgium.
How did the Rhineland remilitarisation impact France's alliances in Eastern Europe?
Answer: It undermined France's credibility, causing allies to doubt its ability to deter German aggression.
The remilitarisation significantly eroded France's credibility as a reliable ally among Eastern European nations, including Czechoslovakia and Romania. These states began to question France's capacity or willingness to deter German aggression, prompting a reassessment of their alliances.
How did the Siegfried Line's construction affect France's Maginot Line?
Answer: It meant the Maginot Line faced direct German fortifications, limiting French offensive capabilities.
The remilitarisation of the Rhineland, coupled with the subsequent construction of the Siegfried Line, positioned France's Maginot Line directly opposite German fortifications. This strategic development curtailed France's offensive capabilities and heightened the vulnerability of its Eastern European allies.
Winston Churchill's prediction regarding the Rhineland fortifications foreshadowed which future event?
Answer: The German invasion of France in 1940
Winston Churchill presciently forecasted that the German fortifications in the Rhineland would enable Germany to concentrate its military forces for an offensive manoeuvre through Belgium and Holland, thereby foreshadowing the German invasion of France in 1940.
The German public overwhelmingly disapproved of the remilitarisation of the Rhineland, leading to widespread protests.
Answer: False
The remilitarisation was met with widespread public jubilation and celebrations throughout Germany. A referendum held shortly after showed overwhelming popular support, with nearly 99% of voters approving Hitler's actions.
Britain's foreign policy in the mid-1930s involved a strong commitment to enforcing European treaties through military means.
Answer: False
Britain pursued a policy of appeasement, seeking a 'general settlement' with Germany and was reluctant to make a 'continental commitment.' They favored a strategy of 'limited liability,' focusing on naval and air power rather than immediate military enforcement of treaties.
By 1936, the prevailing British public opinion strongly supported enforcing the Treaty of Versailles, even through military action.
Answer: False
By 1936, a significant portion of the British public believed the Treaty of Versailles was unjust to Germany. This sentiment made many unwilling to support military action to enforce its terms, including the demilitarisation of the Rhineland.
The 'intentionist' view of history suggests Hitler's remilitarisation of the Rhineland was a spontaneous reaction to immediate political conditions.
Answer: False
Historical scholarship debates whether Hitler's decision represented a pre-ordained step in his strategy for global conquest (the 'intentionist' perspective) or an opportunistic response to prevailing political and economic conditions in 1936 (the 'functionist' perspective). The intentionist view posits a deliberate, long-term strategic plan.
The British 'Ten Year Rule' policy led to increased defense spending and military readiness in the mid-1930s.
Answer: False
The 'Ten Year Rule' was a British policy that assumed no major war would occur for ten years, leading to significant reductions in defense spending. This policy severely hampered the British military's capabilities and readiness by the mid-1930s.
The 'continental commitment' in British strategy involved deploying a large army in mainland Europe to counter German aggression.
Answer: True
The 'continental commitment' referred to Britain's potential deployment of a large army in mainland Europe. Britain was hesitant due to the devastating losses of World War I and preferred a strategy of 'limited liability,' focusing on naval and air power rather than large-scale land commitments.
The French policy of 'cordon sanitaire' aimed to create a buffer zone to contain both Germany and the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
The 'cordon sanitaire' was a French strategy to create a buffer zone of allied states in Eastern Europe to contain both Germany and the Soviet Union. France formed alliances with countries like Poland and Czechoslovakia to achieve this goal.
How did the German population primarily react to the remilitarisation of the Rhineland?
Answer: With public jubilation and overwhelming support in a referendum
The remilitarisation was met with widespread public jubilation and celebrations throughout Germany. A referendum held shortly after showed overwhelming popular support, with nearly 99% of voters approving Hitler's actions.
What was Britain's general foreign policy approach towards Germany in the mid-1930s, as mentioned in the context of the Rhineland?
Answer: A policy of appeasement and seeking a 'general settlement'
Britain pursued a policy of appeasement, seeking a 'general settlement' with Germany to address perceived grievances from the Treaty of Versailles. The nation was reluctant to undertake a substantial 'continental commitment,' favouring a strategy of 'limited liability,' prioritising naval and air power over large-scale land commitments.
The British policy known as the 'Ten Year Rule' had what effect on military readiness?
Answer: It assumed peace for ten years, causing defense cuts.
The 'Ten Year Rule' constituted a British policy that predicated defense planning on the assumption of no major war for a decade, resulting in substantial reductions in military expenditure. This policy critically impaired the British military's capabilities and operational readiness by the mid-1930s.
What did the 'continental commitment' refer to in British strategy?
Answer: A commitment to deploy a large army in mainland Europe.
The 'continental commitment' denoted Britain's potential deployment of a substantial army on mainland Europe. Hesitancy stemmed from the profound losses incurred during World War I, leading Britain to favour a strategy of 'limited liability,' emphasising naval and air power over extensive land commitments.
What was the purpose of the French 'cordon sanitaire' strategy?
Answer: To create a buffer zone containing both Germany and the Soviet Union.
The 'cordon sanitaire' represented a French foreign policy strategy aimed at establishing a buffer zone of allied states in Eastern Europe to contain the geopolitical influence of both Germany and the Soviet Union. France pursued this objective through alliances with nations such as Poland and Czechoslovakia.
What does the Nazi ideological concept of 'Lebensraum' advocate for?
Answer: Territorial expansion into Eastern Europe for settlement.
'Lebensraum,' translating to 'living space,' represented a fundamental tenet of Nazi foreign policy, advocating for territorial expansion into Eastern Europe. The objective was to secure land and resources for German colonisation and agricultural development.
The German-Polish declaration of non-aggression was signed in 1939, shortly before the invasion of Poland.
Answer: False
The German-Polish declaration of non-aggression was signed in 1934, not 1939. It was an agreement aimed at improving bilateral relations and reducing tensions between Germany and Poland.
The Stresa Front, an alliance of Britain, France, and Italy, was formed to collectively oppose German violations of the Treaty of Versailles.
Answer: True
The Stresa Front was an alliance formed in April 1935 by Britain, France, and Italy. Its purpose was to collectively oppose further violations of the Treaty of Versailles by Germany, particularly after Germany renounced certain treaty clauses.
The 'Anschluss' refers to Germany's annexation of the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia in 1938.
Answer: False
The 'Anschluss' refers to the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938. The annexation of the Sudetenland occurred later that year following the Munich Agreement.
The 'Munich Agreement' of 1938 permitted Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia.
Answer: True
The Munich Agreement was a pact signed by Germany, France, Britain, and Italy that permitted Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. It is a prominent example of the appeasement policy adopted by Britain and France.
The German-Polish declaration of non-aggression was signed in what year?
Answer: 1934
The German-Polish declaration of non-aggression was concluded in 1934, predating the invasion of Poland by several years. This bilateral agreement aimed to foster improved relations and mitigate tensions between Germany and Poland.
What was the 'Abyssinia Crisis' primarily related to?
Answer: Italy's invasion of Ethiopia.
The Abyssinia Crisis commenced in October 1935 with Italy's invasion of Ethiopia. Although the League of Nations imposed sanctions on Italy, Germany provided support to Italy, thereby strengthening their bilateral relationship.
The 'Munich Agreement' is best described as an example of which policy?
Answer: Appeasement
The Munich Agreement, which permitted Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, is a prominent example of the appeasement policy adopted by Britain and France in the lead-up to World War II.