The escalation of European tensions and the policy of appeasement marked the prelude to World War II. Key events include Germany's annexation of Austria, the Munich Agreement, and the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union, and the subsequent invasion of Poland, triggered the onset of the war, reshaping the political landscape of Europe.
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Germany annexed Austria in March 1938, setting a dangerous precedent
Munich Agreement
The Munich Agreement, brokered by Western leaders, ceded the Sudetenland to Germany in hopes of avoiding war
Hitler's Secret Plans
Hitler secretly expanded the German navy and intensified his rhetoric against alleged provocateurs
Occupation of Czechoslovakia
In March 1939, Germany completed the occupation of Czechoslovakia, establishing a puppet state
German Demands for Danzig
Germany demanded control over the Free City of Danzig, leading to tensions with Western powers
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, signed between Germany and the Soviet Union, divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence
Allied Response
The United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany after its invasion of Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe
Germany's rapid military campaign resulted in the defeat of Polish forces
Annexation of Western Poland
Germany annexed western Poland, while the Soviet Union occupied eastern Poland
Soviet Expansion
The Soviet Union exerted pressure on the Baltic states and annexed Romanian territories
Winter War
The Soviet Union invaded Finland, resulting in territorial concessions
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Anschluss significance
Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938, unopposed by other powers, setting precedent for further aggression.
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Appeasement policy failure
Western democracies' attempt to prevent war by conceding to Axis demands, ultimately ineffective as aggression continued.
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Post-Munich territorial changes
After Sudetenland cession, Germany influenced further Czechoslovak territory loss to Hungary; Poland annexed Zaolzie.
