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The Saar

History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 3.5.4

Hitler's Actions 1933-1935

In 1933, Germany left the League of Nations. By 1935, Hitler held the ‘Freedom to Rearm Rally’.

1933 Leaving the League

1933 Leaving the League

  • In 1933, Hitler pulled Germany out of the League of Nations.
  • He did this after other countries failed to promise disarmament at the League’s conference on the matter.
  • He argued he would continue to re-arm if other countries did.
1934 Dollfuss Affair

1934 Dollfuss Affair

  • Dollfuss, the Austrian Chancellor, knew Hitler wanted to unite Germany and Austria so he publicly banned the Nazi party in Austria.
  • Hitler responded by asking the Austrians to revolt and Dollfuss was murdered.
  • However, he didn’t take Austria then as Italy moved to try and stop him and his army wasn’t strong enough.
  • Nevertheless, he knew he had the support of the Austrian people.
1935 Rearmament

1935 Rearmament

  • Hitler held the ‘Freedom to Rearm Rally’ in Germany where he put on a massive display of new weapons and troops.
  • This was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Hitler's Actions 1935

Hitler continued to be allowed to act in ways that defied the Treaty of Versailles. This encouraged him to continue to break the terms on the assumption that there would be no consequences.

1935 Saar Plebiscite

1935 Saar Plebiscite

  • The Saar was a German speaking area given to the League of Nations for 15 years as a part of the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Hitler held a plebiscite (vote) with the people and 90% wanted to go back to Germany.
Rearmament funding

Rearmament funding

  • He marched in and took back the land.
  • He then used its natural resources to further supply his re-armament.
1935 Anglo-German Naval Agreement

1935 Anglo-German Naval Agreement

  • In reflection of the harshness of the Treaty of Versailles, Britain allowed Hitler to build up his navy to 35% of the British Navy.
  • He was also now allowed submarines.
Treaty of Versailles

Treaty of Versailles

  • This went directly against the Treaty of Versailles and Hitler thought that this would mean he could continue to break the terms without consequence.

Test yourself on The Saar

  • Why did Germany leave the League of Nations in 1933?

  • 1934 Dollfuss Affair

  • Events Leading to War

  • The 1935 Saar Plebiscite

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