KarlGoetz.com Collection

 

K- 549

 

THE MUNICH AGREEMENT

 

1938, Cast Bronze Commemorative Medallion, 127.2mm., 483.60g., Rim-punched, K•GœTz

 

Obverse: Jugate busts, face right, Hitler, Mussolini, Chamberlain, and Daladier.  Dove of Peace, as after-thought, behind Hitler. 

 

Reverse: "The Munich agreements in the Führerhaus' Sept. 29, 1938."

 
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There is unrest in the Sudetenland, Hitler demands the right of self determination for the Germans in this area. The crises stemming from this compels the British Premier, Nevilie Chamberlain to travel to Munich and visit Hitler; later they meet again in Godesberg for a discussion. Hitler demands the release of the Sudeten territory to the Reich. The Czechoslovakian government refuses. Hitler calls this demand the last territorial request he will ever make based on the 'injustice' of the Versailles Treaty. Mussolini enters the picture by asking for a meeting in Munich of the leaders of Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France. They agree on the cession of the Sudetenland and determine what to do with the remainder of Czechoslovakia. Poland and Hungary also lodge claims against Czechoslovakia which are granted by the Four. German troops march into the Sudetenland. Hitler is the victor. The safety of the small countries is at its lowest. Later Hitler shall say, "Our enemies are small worms. I saw them in Munich."  Munich has since become the symbol for the free western world showing what appeasement of dictators will lead to.

 
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