Although the British public has long regarded Neville Chamberlain as a poor Prime Minister because of his appeasement policy, which is regarded as unintentionally encouraging the military aggression of the Axis powers, professional historians have taken a more positive view.
The first wave of ‘revisionist’ historians in the 1960’s praised Chamberlain’s Munich policy for buying time during which rearmament could begin in earnest, conscription could be introduced and technical innovation such as radar could be developed.
A second wave of ‘revisionist’ historians towards the end of the 20th century argued that appeasement was a sensible policy in line with prioritising defence of the Empire and avoiding continental European military entanglements.
This talk examines the evidence – are the revisionists right or wrong?
This lecture is part of the 'Controversies in UK Foreign Policy: Diplomacy or Military Force?' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from 20 October to 24 November 2023. You may either register for individual lectures or you may choose to register for the entire lecture series at a reduced price.
Please note: this lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 17 October 2023.