Why did appeasement happen in 1938?

Answer 1

Hitler's appeasement was a policy of providing concessions to Nazi Germany and its leader Adolf Hitler by European powers Britain and France mainly. The appeasement policy had many reasons. The British army was not strong enough to challenge German military which had grown tremendously during Hitler's time. A general consensus was that Treaty of Versailles was unfair and global powers were willing to make up to Germany. British leadership believed that Hitler provided a defense against Soviet communism.

Answer 2

There was the idea that if they became less threatening, by disarming, then war would be less likely. The memories & effects of WW1 were fresh in the minds of people. Neville Chamberlain thought that if he could appeal to Herr Hitler at Munich in 1938 the war would be avoided: 'Peace in our Time' was the slogan. Obviously, with the benefit of hindsight, this was wholly misguided & appears foolish. Does this mean Chamberlain was wrong to try ?

Answer 3

Because, for obvious reasons, no one wanted a repitition of what happened in WW1. The fact that what happened in WW2 was far, far more damaging could not be forseen, appeasement carried with it some wishful thinking.

Answer 4

In 1938, the public opinion was against war - so the policy of appeasement was sensible. People wanted to avoid war so they did anything possible.

Answer 5

the appeasement was popular up to 1938 because that was when Hitler took over Poland and that was when World War 2 began!