Was Appeasement the Best Policy to Adopt in the 1930's?
Appeasement means, compromise. Some saw appeasement as giving Germany what they wanted. Others saw it as everyone purely trying to keep the peace. In 1938 everyone in Britain was pleased that war had been avoided. Chamberlain was a hero. His policy of appeasement seemed to have saved Europe from another devastating war. But, soon it was clear that the policy had failed, as soon as Hitler made his next aggressive move. Appeasement quickly became a word, which represented cowardice and failure. Chamberlain had tried to satisfy Hitler's demands whilst re-arming Britain in case force had to be used.
In the beginning Chamberlain did not know what Hitler was after. When confronted about Germanys plans to attack Czechoslovakia, he responded, "I think it would be wrong to assume that the German Government has any intention of doing such." Britain was not ready for war, she had spent less on arms in the 1930's due to the depression.
Appeasement means, compromise. Some saw appeasement as giving Germany what they wanted. Others saw it as everyone purely trying to keep the peace. In 1938 everyone in Britain was pleased that war had been avoided. Chamberlain was a hero. His policy of appeasement seemed to have saved Europe from another devastating war. But, soon it was clear that the policy had failed, as soon as Hitler made his next aggressive move. Appeasement quickly became a word, which represented cowardice and failure. Chamberlain had tried to satisfy Hitler's demands whilst re-arming Britain in case force had to be used.
In the beginning Chamberlain did not know what Hitler was after. When confronted about Germanys plans to attack Czechoslovakia, he responded, "I think it would be wrong to assume that the German Government has any intention of doing such." Britain was not ready for war, she had spent less on arms in the 1930's due to the depression.