Imagine you are the Prime Minister of Great Britain in the years before the outbreak of World War II. Hitler is amassing power in Germany and making aggressive moves and claims.
In 1938, he claims that 3.5 million ethnic Germans living in the Sudentenland, in Czechoslovakia, are being persecuted by the Czechoslovakian government. It is clear that Hitler seeks to annex the Sudetenland and incorporate it into Germany, and may invade Czechoslovakia if he is not satisfied.
In meeting with other senior European officials, what do you advise?
| Grant the Sudetenland to Hitler | It is too dangerous to risk a German invasion of Czechoslovakia. While it may not seem desirable, it is the wisest path under the circumstances. |
| Refuse outright | Ignore Hitler's demands. He has no right to violate Czechoslovakian sovereignty, and no legitimate claim to the Sudetenland. The demand is not worth serious consideration. |
| Refuse Hitler's demand and mobilize troops. | Warn Hitler that an invasion of Czechoslovakia will meet with swift and massive retaliation, and prepare for war. |
| Refuse Hitler's demands and offer compensation. | Use the carrot rather than the stick. Try to strike a deal in which substantial incentives are provided if Hitler does not invade Czechoslovakia, perhaps in the form of aid, favorable trade terms, or favorable settlement of other disputes. | Invade Germany | It is clear that Hitler is preparing for war whether or not he receives the Sudetenland. Since granting Hitler a piece of Czechoslovakian territory is unacceptable, but not doing so will lead immediately to war, it is best to strike preemptively and try to damage German military capacity before Germany tries to fight. |