IGCSE History Exams

4 Read the source, and then answer the questions which follow.

In his [Chamberlain’s] view, Herr Hitler had certain standards. He had a narrow mind and was violently prejudiced on certain subjects; but he would not a deceive a man whom he respected. He was sure that Herr Hitler now felt some respect for him. When Herr Hitler announced that he meant to do something, it was certain that he would do it. The British Cabinet minutes (records) 1938.

(a) Describe the events which led to the crisis meeting at Munich on September 29-30 between the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Germany. [5] Answer

(b) Why did Germany become increasingly militaristic in the 1930s? [7] Answer

(c) How far was the policy of appeasement responsible for causing the Second World War? Explain your answer. [8] Answer

Suggested Answers

Question 4a

Not an easy question. The origins of the crisis can be traced back to the very creation of Czechoslovakia at the end of WW1. The Sudetenland to the west of the country was largely German speaking, badly affected by the Great Depression and home to a popular pro-Nazi party led by Konrad Henlein which campaigned for Sudeten German self-determination and integration into the German state.

• On the 12-13^th September 1938, Sudeten Nazis under orders from Hitler stage a revolt that attacks Czech and Jewish targets.
• On the 15^th September a meeting between Chamberlain and Hitler agreed to a limited German takeover of the Sudetenland.
• On the 22-23^rd Sept. further negotiations over the future of Czechoslovakia broke down with Hitler making new more far-reaching demands that were unacceptable to Chamberlain.

At this point war seemed likely, and then a week later the Munich Conference was called. [Back to the Questions]

Question 4b

This is very similar to a question asked on the May 2001 external examinations for which there are a number of valid answers. With these explanation questions it is a good idea to begin by briefly describing what needs to be explained. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) had significantly reduced Germany’s military capability (e.g. Army reduced to 100 000 men). When Hitler becomes Chancellor in 1933 he proceeds to systematically undo the Treaty, following policies which are increasing militaristic (remember the table you made? Mason 36-7) examples might include: 1933 withdraws from Disarmament Conference and League of Nations and begins rearmament; 1935 Anglo-German Naval Treaty and public rearmament 550 000 men; 1936 Rhineland; 1938 Anschluss and Sudetenland; 1939 Czechoslovakia and Poland. Why? There are a number of reasons you might include. Start by outlining Nazi ideology, which was extremely nationalistic, racist and valued militaristic sentiments such as discipline, social order and hierarchy. In addition to this describe Nazi foreign policy goals of:

(i)                  reverse Versailles

(ii)                unite German-speaking peoples in a ‘Greater Germany’

(iii)                lebensraum ‘living space’ for superior Aryan Germans taken from ‘inferior’ Slavic nations to the east.

Another possible route would be to explain the militarism in terms of the requirements of domestic policy. Re-armament and conscription reduced unemployment and nationalism restored German pride, both popular measures. A final approach might be to explain German militarism in terms of the weakness of the League of Nations and the policy of appeasement followed by Britain and France. You certainly do not need to include all these approaches in order to get all 7 marks. [Back to the Questions]

Question 4c

This should have been an easy question as it was essentially the same question as you completed in class earlier this term. Remember the need for a short but balanced essay that comes to a conclusion. You may take this an opportunity to defend Chamberlain from his critics highlighting the merits of appeasement and attacking those historians who make unfair gain from the power of hindsight. But whatever approach you follow it is important that you recognise the other causes of WWII apart from appeasement:

(i)                  Versailles

(ii)                Failure of the League of Nations

(iii)               The Depression

(iv)              Hitler’s Foreign Policy (4b above)

(v)                Nazi Soviet Pact

(See McAleavy 84 ‘One War: Many Causes’) [Back to the Questions]