OCR GCSE History A: Hitler’s Foreign Policy and the Road to WWII

OCR GCSE History A: Hitler's Foreign Policy and the Road to WWII

This tutorial focuses on Hitler's aggressive foreign policy and its role in escalating international tensions leading to World War II.

Key Concepts

• Lebensraum: Hitler's belief in Germany's need for expansion to gain living space in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine.
• Revisionism: Hitler's desire to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and reclaim Germany's lost territory.
• Appeasement: The policy of making concessions to appease Germany, employed by Britain and France in the 1930s.

Hitler's Foreign Policy Timeline

• 1933-1938: Hitler begins his aggressive policy, starting with the withdrawal from the League of Nations and the rearmament of Germany.
• 1936: Remilitarization of the Rhineland, a blatant violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
• 1938: The Anschluss (annexation) of Austria and the Munich Agreement, where Britain and France appease Germany by allowing the annexation of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia.
• 1939: Invasion of Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.

Analyzing the Impact of Hitler's Actions

• Breach of International Law: Hitler's actions defied international agreements and treaties, undermining the stability of the international order.
• Escalation of Tensions: Each aggressive action by Hitler increased tensions and fueled paranoia among other European powers.
• Rise of Fascism: Hitler's success emboldened fascist and nationalist movements across Europe, further destabilizing the continent.
• Appeasement's Role: Appeasement, while initially intended to maintain peace, ultimately emboldened Hitler and contributed to the outbreak of war.

Key Events for Analysis

• The Rhineland: Analyze the reasons for Hitler's move, the response of other powers, and the consequences.
• The Munich Agreement: Discuss the motivations of Chamberlain and Daladier, the impact of the agreement on Czechoslovakia, and its contribution to the outbreak of war.
• The Invasion of Poland: Examine the role of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (Nazi-Soviet alliance), the impact of the invasion on international relations, and the response of Britain and France.

Assessment Focus

The exam assesses your understanding of:

• How Hitler's foreign policy contributed to the outbreak of WWII.
• The impact of Hitler's actions on international relations.
• The role of appeasement in escalating tensions.
• The significance of key events, such as the Rhineland and Munich Agreement.

Tips for Success

• Develop Strong Arguments: Formulate clear and convincing arguments supported by evidence to explain the role of Hitler's actions.
• Use Primary Sources: Analyze sources to gain insights into the perspectives of key figures and the events themselves.
• Contextualize Events: Place events within the broader historical context to understand their significance.
• Practice Essay Writing: Practice writing essays on various aspects of Hitler's foreign policy and its impact.

By understanding the motivations, actions, and consequences of Hitler's foreign policy, you will gain a deeper understanding of the causes of WWII and its impact on the world.