Prior to the Munich Conference, relations between Britain and Germany were strained due to several factors. These included:
1. Nazi Expansion: Germany's aggressive expansionist policies, particularly the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria in March 1938, raised concerns in Britain about Germany's intentions and its potential threat to European peace.
2. Desire for Peace: Despite these concerns, Britain, led by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, sought to avoid war and pursued a policy of appeasement. Chamberlain believed that by making concessions to Germany, he could prevent a conflict and maintain peace in Europe.
3. Appeasement Policy: The Munich Agreement of September 1938, which allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, exemplified Britain's appeasement policy. Chamberlain's "peace for our time" declaration after the Munich Agreement reflected his belief that he had successfully secured peace by appeasing Hitler's demands.
After the Munich Conference and Invasion of Poland:
The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, marked a turning point in relations between Britain and Germany. The invasion shattered the illusion of peace created by the Munich Agreement and forced Britain to confront the reality of Hitler's aggressive expansionism.
1. Declaration of War: In response to the invasion, Britain, along with France, declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the beginning of World War II.
2. Determined Resistance: Britain, under the leadership of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who succeeded Chamberlain in May 1940, adopted a policy of determined resistance against Nazi Germany. This shift from appeasement to active opposition highlighted the significant change in relations between the two countries.
3. Alliance against Germany: Britain formed alliances with other countries, including France and the Soviet Union, to counter the threat posed by Nazi Germany. These alliances solidified the opposition to Germany and further strained relations between Britain and Germany.
In summary, the invasion of Poland following the Munich Conference led to a dramatic shift in relations between Britain and Germany. Britain abandoned its appeasement policy and instead committed to actively opposing Germany's aggressive actions, leading to the outbreak of World War II and Britain's alliance with other nations against Germany.