During his rise to power, Adolf Hitler had promised that he would do away with the Treaty of Versailles, make Germany strong and expand its territory. In the years 1933–1939, Hitler moved gradually into a position of strength and readiness, while Western Europe wa tched uneasily but hesitated to act. His foreign policies were to lead to the outbreak of World War II.
The approach to war Type of source
Primary Primary Oral Written
WORKING WITH THE EVIDENCE! —————————————
Category Newspaper reports
This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a fi nal Note stating that, unless we heard from them by 11 o’clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany.
You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me that all my long struggle to win peace has failed... I know you will play your part with calmness and courage.’
Neville Chamberlain’s speech to the House of Commons, 1 September 1939
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A speech by Chamberlain to the House of Commons on 1 September 1939 on having to use force against Germany
Front page of a London newspaper on 1 September 1939
What can you learn about the causes of World War II from the above sources?
