Factors Which Lead to a Policy of Appeasement in Britain

Factors Which Lead to a Policy of Appeasement in Britain

In the period 1931-38, there were several reasons that the policy of

'appeasement' was taken up by the British government. There were both

long and short-term reasons that contributed. The most important, I

believe was Britain's belief in Pacifism. The public could not support

the war in terms of soldiers, and the government could not support a

war financially. So it was in Britain's self interest to appease

Hitler.

Many of the British politicians feared another World War. Due to

conscription, the majority of people had lost relatives to the war.

World War 1 was a war of attrition and many had lost fathers,

husbands, sons, or brothers. Surveys showed that 60% of the British

men would not volunteer in the event of a war. Many believed that war

was in direct disagreement with what the bible sad. The population of

Britain did not support another war which would lead to another

catastrophic loss of life. Because of the increased fear of war, the

British put blind faith in the strength and power of the League of

Nations. When in 1931, the Japanese invaded Manchuria, the League

refused to do something about it; startling its supporters, and

enemies alike. Great Britain still supported the League.

Most considered the Treaty of Versailles overly harsh and the War

Guilt Clause had caused much controversy. The German people had been

condemned to a life of poverty, and the British did not oppose their

'need' for more space. They did not see anything wrong with the

Germans uniting with Austria(Anschluss) or their feeling of

vulnerability, due to no arms allowed.

The war had ...

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made the declaration that if Hitler invaded Poland, he would have no

choice but to go to war. By September 1939, Britain's air-defences had

been enhanced, and they were ready to defend themselves. The RADAR,

fighter squadrons, air raid facilities, and the BEF (British

Expedionary Force) were now all ready, and limited conscription had

been introduced, through the recommendation of the Committee of

Imperial Defence. But it was not as if the British people had suddenly

realised that the bombing would be lessened, but it the casualties and

loss of homes were now more acceptable.

Chamberlain knew that eventually Hitler would strike the British

Isles, and he preferred to keep on the mainland of Europe. When Poland

was finally invaded by the Germans, he decided that this was the best

possible time to declare war.