Occupation of the Rhineland in 1935

Occupation of the Rhineland in 1935

Historical background

The occupation of the Rhineland in 1935 meant the remilitarisation of the Rhineland by Nazi Germany. The Rhineland was a demilitarised zone established by the Treaty of Versailles at the end of the First World War, which prohibited Germany from stationing military forces in the area. However, on 7 March 1936, German troops under the command of Adolf Hitler crossed the Rhine and occupied the Rhineland.

The occupation of the Rhineland was a significant event as it was in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles and significantly accelerated the German rearmament. The remilitarisation of the Rhineland was a strategic move by Hitler to consolidate his power and test the reaction of the international community to German aggression. It also provided Germany with a buffer zone and improved its defence position in the event of future conflicts.

The occupation of the Rhineland met with minimal resistance from the French and British, who were reluctant to confront Germany militarily at the time. The lack of resistance encouraged Hitler and strengthened his conviction that the international community would not intervene to enforce the Treaty of Versailles. This occupation prepared the ground for further German aggression, which ultimately led to the outbreak of World War II.