IGHIS - COP Step 3 & 4 - Rhineland/Spanish Civil War

When did German troops invade the Rhineland?

• March 16. 1935

• January 13th 1935

• March 7, 1936

• March 1938

What decision was made regarding the Rhineland at the Paris Peace Conference?

• It was to be demilitarised (right bank)

• It was to be given to France as payment for war

• It was to be occupied by British and French (left bank)

• The area was to be overseen by the LON

• The area would hold a plebiscite in 10 years to determine its future

Which treaty signed in 1925, reinforced the decision regarding the status of the Rhineland made at the Paris Peace Conference

• Locarno

• Washington

• Hoare-Laval

• Anglo-German

• Franco-Prussian Mutual Assistance

What were the terms of the Locarno Treaty (1925)

• Germany formally recognised its new western borders as established by the TOV

• Rhineland would be granted a plebiscite to determine its future

• Germany, France, Belgium signed not to attack each other

• The League of Nations would allow Belgium to join the Council

• France would legally have authority over the Rhineland

What was the impact of the Locarno Treaty (1925)?

• Improved political diplomacy between nations - Spirit of Locarno

• The threat of mounting war in 1925 was dissolved

• There would be infinite peace between France and Germany

• Improved relations led to Germany joining the LON in 1926

• It helped to normalise relations between France and Belgium

Which treaty signed in 1935 influenced Hitler's decision to invade the Rhineland?

• Franco-Prussian Treaty of Mutual Aid

• Anglo-German Naval Agreement

• Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance

• Franco-Belgian Defense Pact

What were the terms of the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance?

• France and USSR would combine their military power

• France and USSR would share intelligence on British spies

• France and USSR would support one another if they were attacked by European state

• France and USSR promised to launch an aggressive invasion on Germany

How did Hitler use the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance to justify invasion of the Rhineland?

• The pact led to a invasion by France and USSR so they were the aggressors, Germany must defend itself

• Hitler expressed that Germany was under threat, encircled by France and Russia, and argued that they should be allowed to place troops on its own frontier

• Hitler argued that the pact between two communist countries was part of a global threat to the world

• Hitler argued this was part of USSR preparations to invade Prussia

Why can the remilitarisation of the Rhineland be considered a gamble?

• Hitler only sent 20,000 troops, heavily outnumbered by 95,000 French troops

• The League of Nations would act under collective security to protect the area

• Germany soldiers lack essential equipment and air support to defended themselves if attacked

• Hitler's decision did not have the support of army generals

• British were staunchly against Germany retaking control over the Rhineland

Why did Britain, France and LON allow Germany to remilitarise the Rhineland (7 March 1936)?

• The Germany army was too strong and they couldn't combat their advance

• Britain and France were divided over the issue, Britain supported Germany occupy their land

• The LON was busy with Abyssinian Crisis (5 Dec 1934-1936)

• LON condemned action but had no power for greater action

• France was holding an election and were divided over the issue, politicians didn't want to take responsibility for plunging France into war