ourse of appeasement will be given, and arguments for and against Chamberlain's use of appeasement against Hitler will be given. Thus the question as to "why did the British government follow a policy of appeasement in the 1930s" will be addressed and evidence will be given as to whether or not this policy was effective in achieving its aim.
             After World War 1, Britain wanted a purged Germany to take her place among European nations once again. Many of the British ruling class preferred the Germans to the French. The British treated Hitler as a responsible statesman who would keep his bargains. He was in a responsible position and had to be treated like a head of state. They believed that if Hitler was given enough surrounding territory and some colonies there was a point at which he would become reasonable, and war would be averted.
             In May 1937, Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister. He saw Britain's role as that of the peacemaker - the only hope if war was to be avoided in Europe, as the USA was not willing to be involved and France was no help. Britain was isolated so there was no strong ally to help her deal with Hitler. She even tried to make friendship with Mussolini in 1937. Chamberlain distrusted Stalin and Communism. Only in 1939 did he try to reach an understanding with Stalin, and many historians think that even then it was an insincere attempt on both sides. It failed anyhow as Stalin made the Nazi-Soviet Pact instead in August 1939.
             Chamberlain had a deep personal horror of war. Many close relatives or friends had died in the previous world war, and it is understandable that this was one reason that he tried so hard to avert war. But he was inclined to rely on his own judgement and made some big errors. Also, Britain was not ready for war. She had spent less on arms in the 1930s due to the Depression. Chamberlain thought that the social problems should come first. Slowly coming out of the econo...