At the begining of WW2, what was appeasement and was it a cowardly approach? - Teacher's Notes

Appeasement was a diplomatic policy adopted by Britain at the beginning of World War II, primarily under the leadership of then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. This policy involved making concessions to Adolf Hitler in an attempt to avoid conflict, most notably concerning Hitler's demands to annex parts of Czechoslovakia. In educational units addressing this period, pupils are encouraged to explore the motives and outcomes of such a policy. They delve into historical research to understand Hitler's ambitions and aggression, and they examine Chamberlain's efforts to negotiate peace, including his meeting with Hitler and the subsequent Munich Conference.

The effectiveness and moral standing of appeasement are often debated, with some viewing it as a necessary tactic to prevent war and others seeing it as a cowardly surrender to tyranny. Pupils will learn about Chamberlain's declaration of 'Peace in our time' and reflect on the eventual failure of appeasement as war broke out regardless of these efforts. They will listen to Chamberlain's famous speech announcing Britain's declaration of war in 1939, which marks a poignant moment in history. This unit invites a critical discussion among students, prompting them to consider whether Chamberlain's approach was justified and to debate the complex question: 'Was Chamberlain right to try?'