What does the term appeasement refer to in the context of pre-WWII policies?

The term appeasement, particularly in the context of pre-World War II policies, primarily refers to the strategy of giving in to the demands of an aggressor to avoid conflict. This approach was notably employed by Britain and France in their dealings with Nazi Germany during the 1930s. The most prominent example of appeasement is the Munich Agreement of 1938, where Britain and France allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, believing that satisfying his territorial ambitions would prevent a larger war.

This policy stemmed from a desire to maintain peace in Europe and a reluctance to confront military aggression directly. Unfortunately, appeasement ultimately failed, as it did not prevent World War II but rather emboldened Hitler to pursue further expansion, demonstrating that giving in to demands without firm resistance can lead to more significant conflicts.

In contrast, military alliances and sanctions do not align with the concept of appeasement, as they represent efforts to stand against aggression rather than yield to it. Encouraging democratic reforms, while a noble pursuit, also does not fit the definition of appeasement, which is strictly a response to aggressive demands.