The Impact of Fear of Communism on British and French Relations with Nazi Germany Pre-World War II

As the world approached the dawn of World War II, the attitudes and fears of European nations towards Nazi Germany and communism played a significant role in shaping their political and military alliances. Specifically, the pre-World War II years witnessed a complex interplay of these fears, particularly between France and Britain, and their relationship with Nazi Germany. This article explores how the fear of communism influenced the strategic decisions and alliances of these nations during this critical period.

The Context of Fear: France and Nazi Germany

France, located directly on the front lines of the anticipated conflict, was deeply concerned about the rising power of Nazi Germany. The lingering scars of World War I had left the French nation fragile and weary, and the proximity of Nazi Germany, along with its fascist allies Italy and Spain, augmented these fears. The population and military expansion of Germany were seen as immediate threats by the French government. Consequently, French politicians made attempts to ally with the Soviet Union, but these efforts were ultimately undermined by the Soviet Union's non-aggression pact with Germany, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin.

The French communist party, though active, garnered only 15 percent of the votes in the 1936 election. While this was a significant number, it was not enough to instill widespread panic among the general populace. However, the fear of a communist takeover was still a substantial concern, especially under the shadow of Nazi control in Germany.

The British Perspective: Fear of Communism vs. Appeasement

In Britain, the threat of communism was a pervasive fear that influenced not only political discourse but also foreign policy decisions. British politicians and the establishment, including influential figures such as King Edward VIII and Sir Oswald Mosley, were known to admire Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. British newspapers, which were largely under the control of a few powerful individuals, often depicted the British Empire as the protector of global stability against the specter of communism.

Early in the rise of the Nazi regime, Adolf Hitler recognized an opportunity in Britain to build an alliance based on a mutual fear of communism. He positioned himself as the fiercest enemy of communism, and this narrative was well-received by a segment of the British establishment. This led to a significant reluctance in Britain to fully condemn every violation of the Versailles Treaty by Germany. The treaty had been designed to limit German military power, but Britain’s cautious approach to Germany’s expansion facilitated some of Hitler's aggressive actions.

Ally vs. Enemy: Soviet Union vs. Nazi Germany

While France was more concerned with direct military threats from Germany, Britain's relationship with the Soviet Union was more complex. Initially, the Soviet Union was seen as a potential ally against the perceived threat of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. However, the establishment within the British government, which included a significant anti-communist faction, doubted the reliability of the Soviet Union as an ally.

Britain's attitude, particularly among the conservative party, remained largely dismissive of Stalin and the Soviet Union. The dominant view was that the threat of an imperialist Germany was more immediate and significant than the threat of communism. The belief was that Stalin could be trusted to limit the spread of communism, thereby providing a buffer against the perceived imperialist ambitions of Nazi Germany.

Thus, the overarching narrative in both France and Britain was a hesitant and cautious approach towards both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This fear of communism played a crucial role in shaping alliances and attitudes leading up to World War II, ultimately contributing to the complex web of international relations that led to the war.

Conclusion

Throughout the pre-World War II period, the fear of communism deeply influenced the strategic decisions and alliances of France and Britain with Nazi Germany. The differing perspectives and priorities of these nations highlight the multifaceted nature of the international politics of the era. The eventual consequences of these decisions underscore the critical importance of understanding historical fears and their impacts on global stability.