Anschluss and the Sudetenland Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
In 1938 Hitler took two bites out of central Europe without a shot being fired. The second, at Munich, was handed to him by the British and French prime ministers, who came home believing that they had saved the peace.
9 things to know
- Anschluss, the union of Germany and Austria, was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler, who was born in Austria, was determined to achieve it.
- In early 1938 Austrian Nazis stirred up trouble, and Hitler put pressure on the Austrian leader, Schuschnigg. Schuschnigg called a vote on Austria's independence. Hitler demanded that it be cancelled, and Schuschnigg resigned.
- On 12 March 1938 German troops marched into Austria. A vote held afterwards by the Nazis showed 99% in favour of the union. Britain and France protested, and did nothing.
- Hitler turned next to Czechoslovakia. About three million Germans lived in the Sudetenland, a border area that also held Czechoslovakia's defences and much of its industry. Hitler demanded it.
- In September 1938 war seemed close. The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, flew to Germany three times to meet Hitler.
- At the Munich Conference on 29 September 1938, Britain, France, Germany and Italy agreed that Germany should have the Sudetenland. Czechoslovakia and the USSR were not invited.
- Hitler promised that this was his last demand. Chamberlain returned to London saying that he had won "peace for our time".
- Consequences: Czechoslovakia lost its defences. Stalin concluded that Britain and France could not be trusted. Hitler concluded that they would never fight.
- In March 1939 Hitler took the rest of Czechoslovakia. Its people were not German. He had broken his promise, and British opinion turned against appeasement.
Worked example
Explain why the Munich Agreement was important. This is a 6-mark question.
- For Czechoslovakia: it lost the Sudetenland, with its border defences and industry, and could no longer defend itself.
- For Hitler: he gained territory without fighting, and became sure that Britain and France would always give way.
- For Stalin: the USSR was shut out of the talks, so he lost trust in the western powers, which led towards the Nazi–Soviet Pact.
Tips and tricks
- Munich in one line: four powers decided the fate of a fifth, which was not in the room.
- March 1939 is the turning point. Until then Hitler had taken only lands with German populations. After it nobody could believe his promises.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Anschluss and the Sudetenland: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
What was Anschluss?
The Treaty of Versailles had forbidden it.
Who was the British Prime Minister at Munich?
He claimed to have brought back "peace for our time".
Which country was not invited to the Munich Conference, although its territory was being discussed?
The USSR was left out as well.
When did German troops enter Austria?
The Sudetenland followed in the autumn.
Why did the occupation of the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 end appeasement?Stretch
The Czechs were not Germans, so the excuse of self-determination was gone.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 14 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Anschluss and the Sudetenland
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 14 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What was agreed at the Munich Conference?[4]
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Britain, France, Germany and Italy met in September 1938. They agreed that the Sudetenland should be given to Germany. Czechoslovakia was not consulted. Hitler promised that he had no more territorial demands, and he and Chamberlain signed a declaration of peace.
Describe how Hitler achieved Anschluss with Austria.[4]
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Austrian Nazis caused disorder. Hitler pressed the Austrian leader, Schuschnigg, who called a vote on independence. Hitler demanded that it be cancelled, and Schuschnigg resigned. German troops marched in on 12 March 1938, and a later vote showed 99% in favour.
Why did Hitler want the Sudetenland?[6]
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About three million German-speakers lived there, and he aimed to unite all Germans in one country. The area contained Czechoslovakia's border fortifications, so taking it would leave the rest of the country defenceless. It also held valuable industry, including arms works.
Answers: Anschluss and the Sudetenland
- 1. Britain, France, Germany and Italy met in September 1938. They agreed that the Sudetenland should be given to Germany. Czechoslovakia was not consulted. Hitler promised that he had no more territorial demands, and he and Chamberlain signed a declaration of peace.
- 2. Austrian Nazis caused disorder. Hitler pressed the Austrian leader, Schuschnigg, who called a vote on independence. Hitler demanded that it be cancelled, and Schuschnigg resigned. German troops marched in on 12 March 1938, and a later vote showed 99% in favour.
- 3. About three million German-speakers lived there, and he aimed to unite all Germans in one country. The area contained Czechoslovakia's border fortifications, so taking it would leave the rest of the country defenceless. It also held valuable industry, including arms works.