Question

As Hitler began his conquest parts of Europe he demanded that countries give in to his ultimatums and pressure. describe the steps Hitler took to expand German territory. Include: Austria, Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia, Poland and France in your answers.

Answer 1

As Hitler aimed to expand German territory, he took several steps:

1. Austria: Hitler annexed Austria in 1938 through the Anschluss, uniting it with Germany.

2. Sudetenland: Hitler demanded the annexation of this region in Czechoslovakia, claiming mistreatment of German-speaking people. The Munich Agreement allowed him to gain control over the Sudetenland without war.

3. Czechoslovakia: Hitler occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia in 1939, dismantling the country.

4. Poland: Hitler signed a pact with the Soviet Union and invaded Poland in 1939, starting World War II.

5. France: German forces launched a swift offensive known as blitzkrieg in 1940, leading to France's surrender and occupation by Germany.

These steps illustrate Hitler's use of diplomacy, political pressure, and military aggression to expand German territory. The events help us understand the scale and impact of his conquests in Europe.