force, indeed the Anschluss created less hostility than the Rhineland reoccupation, France again impotent and Britain adopting the attitude summarised by Eden,‘People in England recognise that a closer connection between Austria and Germany would have come about eventually.The peaceful Anschluss was perhaps the greatest achievement of German Nationalism since Versailles and proved crucial to Hitler’s standing. Hitler no longer feeling so obliged to listen to advice in diplomatic or military matters, having proved his capabilities and proved all reservations wrong. Eight Million Germans were added to the population; Hitler became closer to his goal of Arian unity. The Anschluss also highlights the emptiness of the Anglo-Franco dream of Italian opposition. Hitler had encircled Western Czechoslovakia and formed a gateway to the East, which was to prove invaluable.The occupation of Czechoslovakia was a far more complex problem and Hitler’s first manoeuvre that required force and was labelled an invasion. There were only 3 million German s in Czechoslovakia compared to 10million of other races and many of the Germans preferred the new regime secured by the Treaty of Versailles; thus loyalty in Czechoslovakia was not secured. Some Germans at home were dubious of the action however Hitler dissembled such doubt effectively through propaganda that portrayed Czechoslovakia -Germans as being exploited. In 1938 Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia with his country behind him. The action however alienated Hitler from England, destroying any chance of alliance, Hitler having infuriate Chamberlains in discussions with his unreasonable, constant, demands, The Great British public had turned against him and the appeasement policy was becoming rapidly unpopular, Britain resolving to resist further German Expansionist moves. Hitler had also upset Mussolini failing repeatedly to inform him of development and his strategies, perhaps damaging the...
