Why did Britain pursue a policy of appeasement towards Hitler?

Why did Britain pursue a policy of appeasement towards Hitler?

• A. To strengthen its own military capabilities
• B. To secure a trade agreement with Germany
• C. To prevent the spread of Communism
• D. To diminish the power of the Soviet Union

Answer: (C)

Britain's policy of appeasement toward Hitler was primarily motivated by a desire to prevent the spread of Communism. At the time, many Western powers, including Britain, viewed the Soviet Union as a significant threat due to its communist ideology, which they feared could destabilize Europe and spread further. By allowing Hitler to expand German territory—such as through the Munich Agreement regarding Czechoslovakia—Britain and its allies hoped to create a buffer against Soviet influence. The idea was that if Germany could be strengthened against the Soviets, it might prevent a future confrontation and serve as a bulwark against communism. Thus, appeasement was seen as a pragmatic approach to contain what was perceived as an even greater danger. The other options, while related to the broader context of pre-World War II European politics, do not directly capture the rationale behind appeasement. Strengthening military capabilities or securing trade agreements were not the primary aims of appeasement; rather, Britain sought to maintain peace through compromise and to prevent another devastating conflict, which they feared would empower the Soviet Union even more. Diminishing the power of the Soviet Union was more of a secondary concern that influenced foreign policy strategies during this period, but the

Britain's policy of appeasement toward Hitler was primarily motivated by a desire to prevent the spread of Communism. At the time, many Western powers, including Britain, viewed the Soviet Union as a significant threat due to its communist ideology, which they feared could destabilize Europe and spread further.

By allowing Hitler to expand German territory—such as through the Munich Agreement regarding Czechoslovakia—Britain and its allies hoped to create a buffer against Soviet influence. The idea was that if Germany could be strengthened against the Soviets, it might prevent a future confrontation and serve as a bulwark against communism. Thus, appeasement was seen as a pragmatic approach to contain what was perceived as an even greater danger.

The other options, while related to the broader context of pre-World War II European politics, do not directly capture the rationale behind appeasement. Strengthening military capabilities or securing trade agreements were not the primary aims of appeasement; rather, Britain sought to maintain peace through compromise and to prevent another devastating conflict, which they feared would empower the Soviet Union even more. Diminishing the power of the Soviet Union was more of a secondary concern that influenced foreign policy strategies during this period, but the