Why was Germany's reoccupation of the Rhineland a significant turning point toward war?

1 Answer
Apr 26, 2016

Because of the failure of the West to react.

Explanation:

Germany's re-occupation was seen as a huge risk by the German generals. Militarily they were in no position to hold on, but the inaction of the allies encouraged further risk taking e.g. the Sudetenland and Austria. It also cemented in Hitler's head the belief that he was far superior to his generals, so it can be seen as setting in motion German expansionism because of the failure of the Western allies to act, which, ultimately led to World War 2.