The Crisis at Munich

The central diplomatic crisis escalates from Hitler’s deadline to a settlement that averts immediate war but leaves the conflict unresolved.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Hitler’s Ultimatum

A Deadline for War The Threat Hitler’s demands turn the Sudeten crisis into an immediate test of whether Britain and France will resist force. The Stakes The threatened invasion leaves little time for diplomacy and exposes the military risks of a European war.

Britain Prepares

Mobilisation and Fear Military Reality The British Chiefs of Staff warn that Britain is poorly prepared to defend itself or save Czechoslovakia by force. Civilian Anxiety Trenches, balloon defences and gas masks make the prospect of war visible in London.

The Last Appeal

Appeals to Berlin and Rome A Final Attempt Neville Chamberlain sends personal appeals to Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, offering a conference to settle the crisis. Time Bought The effort briefly depends on whether the dictators will accept delay rather than immediate mobilisation.

The Munich Talks

Negotiation Under Pressure A Narrow Table Britain, France, Germany and Italy negotiate without the Czechoslovak representatives whose territory is at stake. A Draft Takes Shape Disputes over evacuation and guarantees are narrowed into a document designed to secure agreement before the deadline.

The Agreement Signed

Averted War The Signature The leaders sign the Munich settlement, authorising the transfer of the Sudetenland to Germany. An Uneasy Ending Celebration follows, but the agreement leaves the Czechs exposed and does not answer what Hitler will demand next.

27 September 1938, morning

27 September 1938, afternoon

28 September 1938, morning

29 September 1938, daytime

30 September 1938, after midnight