Munich and theCzechoslovakCrisis (1938)

Abstract

The Czechoslovak Crisis was entirely the responsibility of the German Führer, Adolf Hitler, whose declared intention, following the May weekend crisis of 1938, was “to smash Czechoslovakia” with a deadline for attack of October 1, 1938. Concern for Reich security against bombing attacks from Czechoslovakia was a factor which lay behind Hitler's resolve but strategic and economic considerations had a higher priority in his thinking. He sought to exploit the multi‐ethnic nature of the Czechoslovak state by encouraging the Sudeten Germans to agitate first for autonomy and then full national self‐determination in the spring and summer of 1938. The British and French governments were only too aware that Czechoslovakia would be the next target for German attention following theAnschluss. As the crisis deepened in late summer, British prime minister Neville Chamberlain visited Berchtesgaden to persuade Hitler to resolve the Sudeten issue by peaceful negotiation. Encouraged by his promise that this would be his last territorial claim in Europe British and French ministers persuaded the Czechoslovak government of Edvard Beneš to accept the peaceful cession of the Sudetenland. But, at Bad Godesburg, Hitler raised the stakes by insisting that the occupation take place within a single day, October 1, and by raising the claims of Poland and Hungary to territory within the Czechoslovak state. The response was Czech mobilization of its forces on September 24, French army mobilization on September 25, and the mobilization of the Royal Navy on September 27. With Europe on the brink of war, Hitler backed down on September 28. Instead, he accepted Benito Mussolini's suggestion of a conference to be held at Munich the following day. The outcome was the Munich Agreement and the Anglo‐German Declaration. After Munich Hitler felt cheated of his military victory and regretted it thereafter. More damaging for Germany's long‐term prospects was the effect of Hitler's action in breaking both the Munich Agreement and the Anglo‐German Declaration by destroying what remained of the Czechoslovak state in March 1939, as it brought an end to Anglo‐French appeasement, encouraged Dominion participation in the Second World War from the outset, and ensured support of the allied cause in the United States.