Appeasement debate

Appeasement debate

1. Key figure

   • YES Neville Chamberlain
     • he believed in the policy of appeasement
     • he thought Hitler's complaints seemed reasonable
     • he was in the conservative party
   • NO Winston Churchill
     • Strongly against appeasement
     • Members of government, WWI experience
     • Isolated figure in 1930'
     • Understood military

2. Fear

   • YES
     • Strong Germany against USSR (Communism)
     • Some people approved of Hitlers policies particularly the way he dealt with unemployment
   • NO
     • As 1940 came closer more people supported Churchill
     • Scared of Hitler, not the war
     • It was better than shame

3. Economics

   • YES
     • Wallstreet crash stopped 40% of Britains trading with USA due to the lack of resources
     • USA did not support the idea of war
   • NO
     • inside Germany the economy was worse wih illness or illness earned 5%of wage
     • Britain had colonies that brought wealth

4. Military

   • YES
     • The armed forces were weak because of demilitarisation in the 1920's no immediate troops or bomb protection
     • America said it will not support Britain in this war
     • The main colonies (Canada and South Africa) said they will not support Britain if Germany invades Czechoslovakia
   • NO
     • strong navy especially after the Treaty of Versailles
     • Good geographical position and an advanced army
     • Allies, France ,Poland , Yugoslavia

5. Public opinion

   • YES
     • People believed appeasement was good
     • Everyone realized Britain wasn't ready for war
     • David Lloyd George actully repected Hitler and his oppinion was valued
   • NO
     • Improved war morale of the British
       • It was geared 'Bomber will always get through
         • Churchill called Anchluss '' a program of agression, nicely calculated and timed''