Original PromptPurpose
This activity will help you avoid presentism by putting yourself in the shoes of a world leader faced with the decision of whether or not to stop Hitler and the German military from moving into the Rhineland in the mid-1930s. By learning about the context for the decisions that world leaders made during this period, you’ll be able to more fully understand how leaders weigh different options before making difficult decisions.
Process
Read the International Circumstances Briefing on the ne...
This resource provides an insight into the 1936 Rhineland Crisis, focusing on Germany's struggles post-World War I, the rise of leaders like Adolf Hitler, and the geopolitical tensions of that era. It details the economic hardships faced by Germany during the Great Depression and outlines the significant actions taken by Hitler that violated international treaties. Key terms such as Rhineland, treaty, fascism, and communism are introduced to aid understanding. The document also includes decision-making exercises for students to consider the implications of military action versus inaction in the face of aggression, and a reflective challenge to think how wealth could influence decisions in similar scenarios.