Doubt about Hitler’s Willingness to Use Military Force

Week Ten History Discussion: Munich, 1938 Chapter 5
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Week Ten History Discussion: Munich, 1938 Chapter 5
Hitler’s new directive of mid-May clearly mirrored his goals insofar as his military intentions and exploits in Europe were concerned. In this directive, he had been keen to assuage any diplomatic tensions by first insisting that he had no deliberate intentions to attack Czechoslovakia and that he would only do so when provoked. Unfortunately, his ploy worked against him, not only raising diplomatic tensions, but also sparking the mobilization of Czechoslovakia’s forces. Although this ploy was uncovered, it indicated Hitler’s willingness to do whatever was necessary in order to realize his goals. This unpredictability caught many Western governments flat-footed in future years and is indicative of the ruthless determination Hitler posse...