This chart, which is part of our series on International Relations, gives a clear outline of the key foreign policy decisions made by Hitler in the period 1933 to 1937. During this period, Germany left the League of Nations, began re-armament and troops entered the Rhineland. They also signed the Anti-Comintern Pact and the Axis Alliance.
Leaving the League of Nations 1933
Undermining the League's authority, Germany withdrew from the League claiming unequal treatment. Under the new Wehrmacht (defence force), Hitler began his policy of conscription.
Rearmament 1933-35
Began rearming in 1933, ignoring the Treaty of Versailles. This began with the stockpiling of weapons and publicly announcing the programme in 1935. Soldiers increased from 100,000 (1933) to 950,000 (1939).
Anti-Comintern Pact and Axis Alliance 1936-37
1936 Germany and Japan sign the Anti-Comintern Pact to pledge opposition against communism. In 1937, Italy signed the pact forming what was known as the Axis alliance.
The Saar 1935
The Saar region run by the League of Nations underwent a plebiscite (direct vote of all members of an electorate). Where 90% voted to unite with Hitler's Germany.
Remilitarisation of the Rhineland 1936
Banned from entering the Rhineland under the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler ordered troops into the Rhineland in March 1936. He argued Germany needed to secure its borders. The League did not act regarding this matter.