10 Steps to World War Two: Hitler takes the Saarland and rearmament

In 1935, a referendum in the Saarland, a region taken from Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, resulted in a vote to rejoin Germany, marking Hitler's first major success. Hitler then began rearming Germany, violating the Treaty of Versailles by building an air force and expanding the army. Despite these actions, Western powers did not challenge him, partly due to a belief that the Treaty had been too harsh and a hope that appeasement would maintain peace. The lack of appetite for a preventive war also contributed to the inaction.

What tactics did the Nazis use to influence the outcome of the Saarland referendum in 1935?

What was the significance of the Saarland referendum for Hitler's regime?

How did Hitler's actions after gaining power violate the Treaty of Versailles?

What were the reasons contemporaries did not challenge Hitler's demands?

How was the concept of appeasement viewed in the context of the 1930s?