

The Sunday Debate: Neville Chamberlain Did The Right Thing
Jan 23, 2022
Join esteemed historians John Charmley, Sir Richard Evans, Glyn Stone, and Piers Brendan as they explore the contentious legacy of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement strategy before World War II. They delve into the intricate political dynamics of the era, questioning whether Chamberlain's decisions were a necessary gamble for peace or a missed opportunity for intervention. The discussion also highlights the complexities of forming alliances and the moral implications of national self-interest during a time of looming conflict, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Appeasement's True Nature
- Appeasement wasn't solely about peace but about gauging its possibility.
- It aimed to unite the nation behind a different policy if peace failed and involved sensible rearmament.
Goering's Hunting
- In 1935, Helmut Goering told the British ambassador he'd been hunting.
- The ambassador quipped, "Animals, I hope," highlighting the Nazi regime's murderous nature.
Phipps vs. Henderson
- Phipps's prediction that only strength could restrain German militarism proved correct.
- Henderson's belief in Hitler's potential for peace was wrong.