Appeasement

The answers-points given are the basic facts you are required to have to frame your answer.
You have to add on your own explanations along with examples to support your answer.
Questions & Answers on Appeasement:
Q1. Why did Britain and France follow a policy of appeasement with Germany in the 1930s?(7)
A1.* Hitler was 'standing up' to Communism which seemed to be the greater evil as compared to Nazism.
*attitude of Britain towards its empire
*Britain and France did not want to repeat the horrors of the Great War
*USA were not willing to support Britain and France against Hitler-Policy of Isolation
*Britain and France felt that the Treaty of Versailles was unfair
*Economic problems of Britain and France
*Britain felt unprepared for a war with Germany.
Q2.How far was the policy of Appeasement followed by Britain and France responsible for the outbreak of the war in 1939? (8)
A2.*Put forward both view-points:

1st view: Yes, it encouraged Hitler to be aggressive e.g. from Rhineland to Poland
*Allowed German military to grow.
*Br & Fr wanted to believe Hitler would not lead the world into another war.
*Scared, forced the USSR to looked for an ally, Nazi –Soviet Pact, an important immediate cause of 2nd World War

2nd view: No, Br & Fr did not have an alternative
*Br & Fr Armed forces numbered less
*Economic problems in Br& Fr
* Communism threatening
*USA not willing to play a proactive role .
* League proving to be ineffective
*Aggression by Italy and Japan
Then conclude with what you think should be your stand also give adequate explanations to support your point of view.

Q3.’The policy of Appeasement was justified’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (8)
A3.*2 points of view:
a) Wrong because it encouraged Hitler (include points used in the previous answer)

b) Right because Br was not ready for war-armed forces not ready, public opinion was against war, Chamberlain’s own civil service advisors were against it
*Imp countries of the commonwealth (Canada & Australia) against war
* USA against war

You conclude your answer supporting either of the 2 views expressed above as long as you have good arguments to support your point of view.
Suggest you refer to the Xeroxed notes on Appeasement before you come to your final conclusion. Also read up the section in the notes –‘Did Appeasement buy time for rearmament’