Remilitarisation of the Rhineland

Background of the Rhineland

Part of Western Germany, the Rhineland lies on the River Rhine and borders Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. During the Napoleonic wars, the territory was part of France before being incorporated into Prussia in 1815. Throughout its history, the Rhineland was significant due to its vast mineral-rich lands and location on the River Rhine.

After the First World War had ended, the Allies occupied the Rhineland. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) prohibited German forces from the Rhineland, with the Locarno Treaties (1925) ordering the permanent demilitarisation of the region.

The Treaty of Versailles

In June 1919, Germany and the Allies signed the Treaty of Versailles, officially marking the end of the First World War. The Treaty demanded that Germany demilitarise, cede territory, forsake its overseas colonies, pay financial reparations, and take total responsibility for the First World War.

Fig. 2 Treaty of Versailles.

One of the conditions stipulated in the Treaty of Versailles was the demilitarisation of the Rhineland; the German Army was forbidden from lands within 50 km east or west of the River Rhine. Despite such harsh terms, Germany had no room to negotiate, signing the Treaty on 28 June 1919.

The Locarno Treaties

In 1925 Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium met in Locarno, Italy. The nations signed the Locarno Treaties – a series of measures to guarantee European peace. One of the key themes at Locarno was Germany's Western border with France and Belgium, specifically that of the Rhineland. It was agreed that the Rhineland would remain permanently demilitarised and arranged for the withdrawal of Allied troops who had been occupying the region.

Remilitarisation of the Rhineland Significance

The Rhineland was an area of huge economic and military importance. The mineral-rich territory acted as a natural barrier to potential invasions. Because of this, the Treaty of Versailles and Locarno Pact ordered the demilitarisation of the area. It was hoped that the demilitarisation of the Rhineland would deter both Germany and France from building up their military. Let's look at some critical factors for the importance of remilitarising the Rhineland for Germany.

Remilitarisation of the Rhineland 1936

On 7 March 1936, the Wehrmacht (German Army) marched over the River Rhine into the Rhineland – an act prohibited by both the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties. Interestingly, Hitler ordered the Wehrmacht to evacuate immediately if the French responded by deploying their military.

Fig. 3 Hitler speaks to German Officer.

For Hitler, invading the Rhineland was a monumental risk. If France had responded and the German Army had been forced to retreat, he would have looked incredibly foolish. Hitler later admitted that the remilitarisation of the Rhineland was one of the most nervous times of his entire political career.

The Response of the Allies

While France vehemently disagreed with the German occupation, they were in no position to do anything. The country was going through a financial and political crisis and had no means of tackling Nazi Germany alone.

For Britain, the situation in the Rhineland was of no interest. They and the League of Nations were far too preoccupied with the Abyssinian Crisis. Furthermore, many people in Britain empathised with the Germans' standpoint, believing that they were merely expanding into their own backyard.

The League of Nations Response

In March 1936, the Council of the League of Nations met in London to discuss the actions of Nazi Germany. While the Council condemned Germany's movements and declared that Hitler had breached both the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact, no tangible action was taken. In fact, Maxim Litvinov – the delegate for the Soviet Union – was the only person to vote in favour of sanctions against Germany.

Fig. 4 First meeting of the League of Nations.

Consequences of the Remilitarisation of the Rhineland

The German remilitarisation of the Rhineland had several significant consequences:

• By opposing the humiliating Treaty of Versailles, Hitler's popularity in Germany skyrocketed.

• It became clear to Hitler that Britain and France would not react to his aggressive foreign policy. Many commentators argue that this was Britain and France's last opportunity to stop Hitler's aggressive foreign expansion.

• By remilitarising the Rhineland, Germany benefited economically and militarily. Hitler built up his fortifications – known as the Siegfried Line – along the French border.

• The remilitarisation of the Rhineland changed the balance of power in Europe. Germany appeared assertive, and Britain and France appeared apathetic.

• The remilitarisation of the Rhineland exhibited the weakness of Britain, France, and the League of Nations. In response, Hitler accelerated preparations for war and his invasion of Europe.

Remilitarisation of the Rhineland WW2

The weakness of France, Britain, and the League of Nations during the German remilitarisation of the Rhineland prompted Hitler to be more aggressive with his foreign policy. Such aggression eventually led to the invasion of Poland and the beginning of the Second World War.

Timeline: The Road to World War Two

Here is a brief timeline outlining the road to war: