History – 2. Core Content Option B – The 20th century: international relations since 1919 | e-Consult

The policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France between 1933 and 1938 was a controversial response to Hitler’s demands. While proponents argued it was a justifiable attempt to avoid war, it ultimately proved to be a disastrous failure. The statement is only partially true; while initially motivated by a desire for peace, appeasement ultimately emboldened Hitler and strengthened Germany, making war more likely.

Arguments for Appeasement: Appeasement was initially motivated by a desire to avoid another devastating war like World War I. Many in Britain and France believed that Hitler’s demands were reasonable and that satisfying them would maintain peace. They feared the economic and social consequences of another war and were reluctant to commit to military action. There was also a belief that Germany had legitimate grievances stemming from the Treaty of Versailles and that addressing these grievances would promote stability.

Arguments Against Appeasement: Appeasement emboldened Hitler and convinced him that Britain and France lacked the will to resist his expansionist policies. It allowed Germany to rearm, remilitarize the Rhineland, and annex Austria and Czechoslovakia without significant opposition. This strengthened Germany's military power and made war more likely. Appeasement also undermined the credibility of Britain and France in the eyes of other nations, particularly those threatened by German aggression. It fostered a sense of betrayal among those who believed that Germany’s ambitions were inherently aggressive.

Conclusion: While the initial motivations for appeasement may have been understandable, the policy ultimately failed to achieve its objective of maintaining peace. It emboldened Hitler, strengthened Germany, and ultimately made war more likely. Therefore, it is difficult to argue that appeasement was a justifiable response to Hitler’s demands. It was a short-sighted policy that had disastrous long-term consequences.