Discuss the reasons for, and the results of, the policy of appeasement.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and results of the policy of appeasement. Candidates may set the context by discussing the weaknesses of the League of Nations and failure of collective security. Other reasons may include the democratic nature of the British and French governments, which could not be seen by their voters to be preparing for war. Britain and France were reluctant to finance any military build-up after the challenges of the Great Depression, and Hitler was sometimes perceived as a bulwark against Soviet Communism. For some in Britain, there was also a belief that the Treaty of Versailles had been too harsh. Results of the policy may include Hitler’s successful foreign policy up until March 1939, the disillusionment of Stalin with the Western powers and the signing of the Nazi–Soviet Pact (August 1939). Some candidates may argue that appeasement made Hitler more confident in pursuing his goals. Candidates may also argue that appeasement contributed to the outbreak of war in September 1939 because Hitler was not stopped earlier. Some candidates may also argue that appeasement bought time for Britain and France to prepare for war.