Quick questions on The policy of appeasement explained: O-Level History

Whether appeasement was wise is a classic debate. In its favour, supporters argue it was a reasonable attempt to avoid a terrible war, that Britain and France were not ready to fight and needed time to rearm, and that public opinion strongly wanted peace. Against it, critics argue that appeasement was a disastrous mistake: it gave Hitler land, resources and confidence, making him stronger and bolder; it sacrificed Czechoslovakia and its defences; and it convinced Hitler that Britain and France would never fight, encouraging him to push further. The strongest evidence against appeasement is that in March 1939, just six months after Munich, Hitler broke his promise and seized the rest of Czechoslovakia, proving he could not be satisfied.

Appeasement's effect on the war is the heart of the dot point. By giving way repeatedly, Britain and France let Hitler grow stronger and more confident, which arguably made war more likely and harder to win when it came. The seizure of the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 finally convinced Britain and France that appeasement had failed and that Hitler had to be stopped. They abandoned the policy, guaranteed to protect Poland, and stood firm when Hitler turned on Poland later in 1939.

Who was the British Prime Minister most associated with appeasement? [3 marks]

Explain why fear of another war led Britain and France to appease Hitler. [5 marks]

"Appeasement was the main reason the Second World War broke out." How far do you agree? [8 marks]