Expansion and Power
Both Hitler and Mussolini subscribed to the belief that if their empires expanded, so too would their power. In 1936 the two nations signed an alliance which became known as an axis between Rome and Berlin. Later this partnership would be extended to Japan with the formation of the Axis Powers.
Map and location of the Rhineland.
In March of 1936, Hitler made a bold move in Western Germany, occupying the region known as the Rhineland. His decision to do so broke the agreement that had been set forth in the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed after World War I. Based on the treaty, German military forces were not allowed within this area.
With no real opposition to his plans, Hitler continued his path of conquest beyond the Rhineland. In 1938, German troops annexed Austria—they joined the German nation. Hitler then sought control of Sudetenland, or a region of Eastern Czechoslovakia. Hitler used the excuse that there was a large German population within the area.
Map and location of Austria
However, his advancements sparked concern with the British and French. In September of 1938, representatives from Germany, Italy, France, and Britain met in Munich Germany to discuss the matter. Both the British and French wanted to avoid a war. They believed that if they conceded to Hitler’s demands, war would be avoided and they would pacify the German leader; they were acting based on a policy of appeasement.