Churchill, Chamberlain and Appeasement

G. C. Peden (University of Stirling)

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English

Cambridge University Press
30 May 2025

History; European history; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Military history; Second World War; International relations

Was Churchill correct when he claimed the Second World War could easily have been prevented if Chamberlain had not appeased Hitler? How far did Churchill and Chamberlain differ on defence and foreign policy? To what extent was Chamberlain responsible for military defeats in 1940? In this new account of appeasement, G. C. Peden addresses these questions and provides a comparative analysis of Chamberlain and Churchill's views on foreign policy and strategic priorities, explores what deterrence and appeasement meant in the military, economic and political context of the 1930s and where Chamberlain and Churchill agreed and disagreed on how best to deter Germany. Beginning in 1931 when Chamberlain became Chancellor of the Exchequer, this book explores the evolution of British policy towards Germany through to the Munich Agreement and its aftermath within the context of Britain's power to influence international affairs in the 1930s and of contemporary intelligence.

By: G. C. Peden (University of Stirling)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781009201964
ISBN 10: 1009201964
Pages: 418
Publication Date: 30 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction; 1. Churchill, Chamberlain and historians; 2. Personalities and policymaking; 3. Britain and the balance of power; 4. The darkening scene; 5. The Ethiopian and Rhineland crises ; 6. Chamberlain takes charge; 7. From the Anschluss to Munich; 8. From Munich to Prague; 9. Deterrence by guarantee; 10. The test of war; 11. Counterfactuals and conclusions.

G. C. Peden is Emeritus Professor of Stirling University. His previous publications include Arms, Economics and British Strategy: From Dreadnoughts to Hydrogen Bombs (2007), The Treasury and British Public Policy, 1906-1959 (2000) and British Rearmament and the Treasury, 1932-1939 (1979). He is a Fellow of Scotland's national academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Reviews for Churchill, Chamberlain and Appeasement

'A masterly analysis that takes a fresh approach to appeasement, based on the author's expert knowledge and understanding of both policies and personalities.' Gill Bennett, Former FCO Chief Historian 'A rigorous and compelling new look at one of the most important episodes in twentieth-century British and European History.' Richard Toye, University of Exeter 'Chamberlain, the man with the umbrella, and Churchill, the man with the cigar, were both brand names by 1930 … Chamberlain's dramatic flight to meet Hitler at Munich in September 1938 meant that the word 'appeasement' was associated with him as clearly as if it had been tattooed on his forehead. Churchill's opposition to the Munich Agreement was equally dramatic … But G. C. Peden suggests that the contract between the two was less black-and-white than it first appears.' Richard Vinen, Literary Review 'This well-researched and scholarly book brings together Peden's earlier specialities and publications with fresh perspectives and work … A book to enjoy as well as to consider.' Jeremy Black, Journal of European Studies 'Peden's book will be the definitive history of the Churchill-Chamberlain relationship for some time to come.' Peter Neville, Diplomacy & Statecraft 'Peden's contribution to the historiography is to juxtapose a close reading of the diplomatic sources with analysis of the structural strengths and weaknesses of the British economy as they related to rearmament. The result is not a revolutionary reinterpretation, but rather a more nuanced reading of what could realistically have been accomplished in the lead-up to September 1939 … Recommended.' F. Krome, Choice 'Accessible and engaging.' David M. Valladares, History '[The book gives] a thorough and often convincing picture of what is known and alerts the reader to multiple differing viewpoints. A willingness to address counterfactuals - and where they may lead - makes this compelling history.' David C. Isby, strategypage.com 'Peden evidently has an encyclopaedic understanding of the secondary literature on appeasement, which he weaves seamlessly through the analysis, challenging some historical interpretations and reinforcing others … although it is not the first counterfactual study of this period, Peden's book is certainly a contender for its most detailed.' William D. James, Journal of Strategic Studies