Why Did Great Britain Declare War on Germany in 1939?
Great Britain declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, but the decision to do so was a complex one rooted in the escalating conflict in Europe. This action marked the official beginning of the Second World War, after Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. This article delves into the historical context and the factors that compelled the British government under Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain to act.
Context and Background
The conflict between Great Britain and Germany in 1939 was rooted in the aggressive policies of Nazi Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. The Nazi regime had been expanding its influence and control through a series of military and political actions, including the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the annexation of Austria, and the annexation of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. These actions had raised concerns among the international community, particularly Great Britain, about the intentions of Germany.
The Role of Diplomatic Notes and the 24-Hour Warning
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. In response, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain promptly sent a formal diplomatic note to Germany demanding the immediate withdrawal of German troops from Poland. Moreover, the British government issued a similar note to France, stating that they would declare war on Germany if their demands were not met within 24 hours.
The British government had hoped that giving Germany a 24-hour ultimatum would provide them with time to reassess their actions and withdraw from Poland without serious consequences. However, the German government, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, refused to comply with the demands, considering them a mere formality. They saw the invasion of Poland as an integral part of their Lebensraum (living space) ideology, and were not willing to back down.
Declaring War: Britain and France's Joint Response
Realizing that Germany's actions were in direct violation of international agreements and represented a significant breach of international law, Britain declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. This declaration was made at 10:00 AM, following the British ultimatum that had gone unheeded. Subsequently, France followed suit and declared war on Germany later that day, on September 3, 1939.
The Decision to Act
The decision to declare war was driven by a range of factors. Firstly, there was a deep-seated conviction among British leaders and citizens that Nazi Germany was fundamentally a hostile and aggressive regime. The British government, like many others, feared that allowing Germany to continue its expansion without a firm response could lead to a wider conflict. Moreover, there was a recognition that appeasement policies, such as those pursued by Chamberlain, had not been successful in stopping Germany's expansionist ambitions.
Furthermore, the British government also understood that if they did not act quickly, Germany would likely continue to target other nations, potentially leading to a larger, more devastating conflict. The Prime Minister's office, under Chamberlain, was also coordinating closely with British military and intelligence agencies, who provided crucial insights into German military capabilities and intentions.
Challenges and Context
It is worth noting that Churchill, who became Prime Minister in 1940, was not in government during the critical days leading up to the declaration of war. The responsibility for leading Britain through this crisis fell on Chamberlain, who was seen as the primary architect of Britain's early resistance to German aggression.
Despite this, some have argued that Chamberlain's delayed declaration of war was a form of strategic delay, giving Britain time to mobilize its armed forces, prepare its defences, and garner international support. However, it is clear that the decision to declare war was made with a sense of urgency, recognizing the risks of inaction in the face of growing German threats.
Conclusion
The declaration of war by Great Britain on September 3, 1939, was a pivotal moment in world history. It marked the official start of the Second World War and set the stage for a global conflict that would involve hundreds of millions of people and reshape the geopolitical landscape of the twentieth century. Understanding the historical context and the key factors that led to this declaration provides valuable insights into the decisions of leaders and the complex challenges of international diplomacy during this tumultuous period.