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The Rhineland 1936

​Q1: What was the Rhineland and why was it demilitarised?
  • The Rhineland is a region in western Germany along the border with France.
  • Under the Treaty of Versailles (1919) and Locarno Pact (1925), it was demilitarised to protect France from German aggression.
  • Germany was forbidden to place troops or weapons there.

Q2: Why did Hitler want to remilitarise the Rhineland?
  • Wanted to challenge the Treaty of Versailles and restore German sovereignty.
  • Aimed to test the reactions of Britain and France.
  • France had recently signed a mutual defence pact with the USSR – Hitler used this to justify moving troops into the Rhineland for Germany’s "self-defence".
  • Wanted to strengthen Germany's position and boost his popularity at home.

Q3: How did the remilitarisation happen?
  • On 7 March 1936, Hitler sent 22,000 lightly armed troops into the Rhineland.
  • They were under strict orders to retreat if France resisted.
  • It was a calculated gamble — Germany’s military was not ready for war.

Q4: How did Britain and France respond?
  • France did nothing, despite having a larger army.
  • France was in the middle of a political crisis and would not act without British support.
  • Britain believed Germany had the right to place troops "in their own backyard" and did not see it as a serious threat.

Q5: Why did the Allies do nothing?
  • Both were focused on avoiding another war (policy of appeasement).
  • Britain felt the Treaty was too harsh and that Hitler’s actions were reasonable.
  • Neither country wanted to act without public support.
  • They underestimated Hitler’s intentions and ambitions.

Q6: What were the outcomes for Hitler and Germany?
  • Major propaganda victory – Hitler was seen as a strong leader standing up for Germany.
  • Increased confidence – Hitler now believed the Allies would not resist future aggression.
  • Encouraged further bold actions (e.g. Anschluss, Sudetenland).
  • The military gained confidence despite its weaknesses.
  • It marked the end of collective security and the failure of the League of Nations to act.