10 Steps to World War Two: Hitler takes the Saarland and rearmament

In 1935, a referendum in the Saarland, a region taken from Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, resulted in a vote to rejoin Germany, marking Hitler's first major success. Hitler then began rearming Germany, violating the Treaty of Versailles by building an air force and expanding the army. Despite these actions, Western powers did not challenge him, partly due to a belief that the Treaty had been too harsh and a hope that appeasement would maintain peace. The lack of appetite for a preventive war also contributed to the inaction.

What was the outcome of the 1935 Saarland referendum?

• Saarland became an independent state.

• Saarland joined France.

• Saarland rejoined Germany.

• Saarland remained under League of Nations control.

Which military branch was Germany prohibited from having under the Treaty of Versailles?

• A large standing army

• An air force

• A coast guard

• A navy

What action did Hitler take in March 1935 that violated the Treaty of Versailles?

• He introduced conscription.

• He annexed Austria.

• He invaded Poland.

• He expanded Germany's navy.

Why did some Western powers believe the Treaty of Versailles was too harsh?

• It was favorable to Germany.

• It allowed Germany to keep its colonies.

• It was seen as a cause for the rise of the Nazis.

• It led to economic prosperity in Germany.

What was the general attitude towards appeasement during the 1930s?

• It was seen as a necessary evil.

• It was universally condemned.

• It was considered a weak policy.

• It was viewed as a perfectly acceptable aim.