Reading History: Appeasement

Appeasement, like imperialism, is one of those historical catchwords which has become so distorted over time that it now possesses a variety of meanings. Originally a positive concept, meaning a policy of satisfying grievances through rational negotiation and compromise, it achieved notoriety in the persistent attempts of British governments to preserve peace with the dictators in the 1930s. Because their efforts were ultimately spurned by a Hitler bent upon dominating Europe, and because Nazi rule was found to be so horrific, those who had endeavoured to 'appease' Berlin (and, by extension, Rome and Tokyo) were soon being castigated for their cowardice, lack of wisdom and disregard of the principles of freedom and democracy.