Chapter Seven, The Coming of War, 1933-1940 Summary and Analysis

Appeasement as a response to rising German power gradually takes form in the early 1930s, despite Churchill's constant protestations. He sees that the main issue for Britain is military, not economic, despite the Great Depression. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and his cabinet are focused on shepherding a gradual industrial recovery. However, Hitler's seizure of power in 1933 leads to a growing threat. Germany quickly becomes the world's leading military power. Churchill fights to increase the size of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, but he fails. The Chamberlain government leaves them with few funds.

Between 1934 and 1936, Hitler continuously disobeys the terms of the Versailles treaty and builds up the army. He dramatically increases the size of the Navy and creates the Luftwaffe. Churchill's protestations concerning these clear aggressive...