Which significant event occurred in March 1936?

The reoccupation of the Rhineland by Germany in March 1936 is significant because it marked a critical point in the escalation of tensions in Europe leading up to World War II. This event defied the Treaty of Versailles, which had demilitarized the Rhineland after World War I as a buffer zone between Germany and its neighbors, particularly France. The reoccupation demonstrated not only Hitler's resolve to expand German territory but also the weaknesses and hesitations of other European powers in confronting his aggressive moves.

The remilitarization of the Rhineland was calculated to test the resolve of France and Britain. Their lack of immediate military response not only emboldened Hitler but also shifted the balance of power in Europe, undermining the post-war order established by the treaties. This event represents a significant turning point where the policy of appeasement began to take shape, setting the stage for further aggression by Nazi Germany in the years that followed. Thus, the importance of the Rhineland reoccupation lies in its implications for international relations and the eventual outbreak of World War II.