The international reaction to the Anschluss, or the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, was notably muted. Most countries, including major powers like Britain and France, issued formal protests but took no substantial action to counter the move. This inaction was partly due to the policy of appeasement, as these countries were keen to avoid another war. Moreover, there was a sense among some leaders that the unification of Germany and Austria was a natural and inevitable event, and not necessarily a direct threat to European stability. This lack of a strong international response encouraged Hitler to pursue further territorial expansions.

The remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 significantly altered the balance of power in Europe. By moving troops into this demilitarized zone, Germany not only violated the Treaty of Versailles but also eliminated a crucial buffer between Germany and France. This act shifted the strategic advantage towards Germany, as it could now defend its western borders more effectively and threaten its neighbours. The lack of a decisive response from Britain and France further emboldened Hitler and weakened their own standing in Europe. This shift in power dynamics paved the way for further German aggressions, as Hitler became more confident in the face of passive European powers.

The Munich Agreement of 1938 represented a significant failure of the principle of collective security, which was a cornerstone of the League of Nations. The agreement, reached between Germany, Italy, Britain, and France, permitted the annexation of the Sudetenland by Germany without the consent of Czechoslovakia, the affected sovereign state. This decision undermined the concept of collective security, which was based on the idea that peace could be maintained by the united action of member states against aggressors. Instead, the major powers chose appeasement over collective action, effectively abandoning Czechoslovakia and encouraging further aggression by Hitler. This failure significantly weakened the League and its ability to maintain peace in Europe.

Economic factors played a crucial role in shaping Britain and France's response to Hitler's foreign policy in the 1930s. Both countries were deeply affected by the Great Depression, with significant economic downturns and high unemployment rates. These economic struggles influenced their foreign policy decisions, as both governments were more focused on domestic economic recovery than on foreign affairs. This economic vulnerability made them cautious about engaging in any action that might lead to war and further strain their economies. Consequently, this economic context contributed to their policy of appeasement, as they sought to avoid conflict and the associated financial burdens.

The Nazi-Soviet Pact, signed in August 1939, had a significant impact on Hitler's foreign policy. This non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union included a secret protocol to divide Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, between them. It provided Hitler with the confidence to invade Poland without fearing a Soviet intervention, which was a crucial factor in his decision to initiate the war in Europe. The pact also shocked other European nations, particularly Britain and France, as it represented an unexpected alliance between two ideologically opposed regimes. This alliance not only facilitated the invasion of Poland but also reshaped the strategic landscape of Europe on the eve of World War II.