On March 7, 1936, Adolf Hitler sent over 20,000 troops back into the Rhineland, an area that was supposed to remain a demilitarized zone according to the Treaty of Versailles. The area known as the Rhineland was a strip of German land that borders France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This area was deemed a demilitarized zone to increase the security of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands against future German aggression. This area of Germany was also important for coal, steel, and iron production. Back in 1935, Adolf Hitler took over control of the Saar region, which was also taken away from Germany in the Treaty of Versailles to reduce the industrial capabilities of Germany. When Great Britain and France did nothing in reaction to this, Adolf Hitler was emboldened to reoccupy the Rhineland and reunify Germany. In May 1935, France and the USSR signed a treaty of friendship and mutual support. Hitler resented this and argued that it was a hostile move against Germany, and the area of the Rhineland could in turn be used by France to invade Germany. Hitler used this as an excuse to send German military forces into the Rhineland. This move was the first of many direct violations of the Treaty of Versailles by Adolf Hitler. Again, like with the Saar region, Great Britain and France did nothing substantial in reaction to this break of the treaty. Due in part to this lack of reaction, Adolf Hitler would begin to take over other lands throughout Western Europe.
