Rearmament, the Saar and the Rhineland Cambridge IGCSE History revision
Not started
Learn it
In plain words
Between 1933 and 1936 Hitler broke the military terms of Versailles one by one. Each time he waited to see what Britain and France would do. Each time the answer was a protest, and nothing more.
8 things to know
- Rearmament began in secret in 1933. It also gave jobs to the unemployed, which made it popular.
- The Saar had been run by the League of Nations for 15 years. In January 1935 its people voted, and about 90% chose to return to Germany. This was legal, and a great propaganda success for Hitler.
- In March 1935 Hitler announced openly that Germany had an air force, and that he was bringing back conscription to build a large army. Both broke the Treaty.
- Britain, France and Italy protested, but took no action.
- In June 1935 Britain signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, which allowed Germany a navy 35% of the size of Britain's. Britain was now helping Germany to break the Treaty.
- On 7 March 1936 Hitler sent German troops into the demilitarised Rhineland. It was a gamble. His army was still weak, and his generals had orders to withdraw if the French resisted.
- France was in the middle of a political crisis and would not act without Britain. Many in Britain felt that Germany was only moving into its own territory. The League was busy with Abyssinia.
- Nobody acted. Hitler's confidence and popularity grew, and he could now fortify his western border.
Worked example
"The remilitarisation of the Rhineland was a greater success for Hitler than the Saar plebiscite." How far do you agree? Plan a 10-mark answer.
- The Saar: a legal, overwhelming vote, which raised Hitler's prestige and returned a coalfield to Germany. It involved no risk.
- The Rhineland: it broke the Treaty openly, and it worked. It secured Germany's western border and showed that France and Britain would not fight.
- Judgement: the Rhineland mattered more. It was the last moment when Hitler could have been stopped easily, and its success encouraged everything that followed.
Tips and tricks
- The Rhineland was a bluff. Remember the detail that the German troops had orders to retreat if the French marched.
- Dates in order: Saar January 1935, conscription March 1935, naval agreement June 1935, Rhineland March 1936.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Rearmament, the Saar and the Rhineland: 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 did about 90% of voters in the Saar choose in 1935?
The vote was legal under the Treaty.
What did Hitler announce in March 1935?
Both broke the Treaty of Versailles.
What did the Anglo-German Naval Agreement allow?
Britain was agreeing to a breach of the Treaty.
When did German troops enter the Rhineland?
France and Britain did nothing.
Why is the Rhineland often called Hitler's biggest gamble?Stretch
Resistance in 1936 could have ended his run of successes.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 16 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Rearmament, the Saar and the Rhineland
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 16 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What happened in the Saar in 1935?[4]
Show answerHide answer
The Saar had been under League of Nations control for 15 years. In January 1935 a plebiscite was held. About 90% voted to rejoin Germany. The Saar was returned to Germany, which was a propaganda success for Hitler.
Why did Britain and France not stop the remilitarisation of the Rhineland?[6]
Show answerHide answer
France was in a political crisis, with an election close, and its leaders would not act without British support. Many in Britain thought that Germany had a right to station troops in its own territory, and that the Treaty had been too harsh. Both were distracted by the Abyssinian crisis, and neither wanted to risk war.
Why was rearmament important to Hitler?[6]
Show answerHide answer
He needed strong armed forces to carry out his other aims, such as taking land in the east. Rearmament broke the Treaty of Versailles, which he had promised to destroy. It also created jobs in the army and in arms factories, which reduced unemployment and made him popular in Germany.
Answers: Rearmament, the Saar and the Rhineland
- 1. The Saar had been under League of Nations control for 15 years. In January 1935 a plebiscite was held. About 90% voted to rejoin Germany. The Saar was returned to Germany, which was a propaganda success for Hitler.
- 2. France was in a political crisis, with an election close, and its leaders would not act without British support. Many in Britain thought that Germany had a right to station troops in its own territory, and that the Treaty had been too harsh. Both were distracted by the Abyssinian crisis, and neither wanted to risk war.
- 3. He needed strong armed forces to carry out his other aims, such as taking land in the east. Rearmament broke the Treaty of Versailles, which he had promised to destroy. It also created jobs in the army and in arms factories, which reduced unemployment and made him popular in Germany.