March 7, 1936. German troops march into the Rhineland — the demilitarised zone that was supposed to protect France. Hitler's generals are terrified; they have orders to retreat if France responds. But France does nothing. Britain does nothing. Hitler later admitted: "The 48 hours after the march were the most nerve-racking of my life." He gambled and won. It was a pattern that would repeat: Austria 1938, Sudetenland 1938, Czechoslovakia 1939. Each time, Hitler pushed further. Each time, Britain and France let him. Until Poland.
This introduction covers Setting the Scene within Steps to War for GCSE History. Revise Steps to War in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 13 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Steps to War
In which year did Hitler remilitarise the Rhineland?
What was the result of the rigged plebiscite held after the Anschluss in March 1938?
Quick recall flashcards
Anschluss date and result?
March 1938 — Austria united with Germany. 99.7% rigged plebiscite.
Rhineland remilitarisation date?
March 7, 1936 — Hitler's biggest gamble, democracies did nothing