What does the term appeasement refer to in the context of World War II?

Appeasement in the context of World War II specifically refers to a diplomatic strategy aimed at preventing conflict through the making of concessions to aggressive powers, particularly Fascist regimes such as Nazi Germany. The most notable example of this was the policy followed by Britain and France in the 1930s, where they allowed Adolf Hitler to expand German territory in hopes of maintaining peace in Europe.

This approach stemmed from the desire to avoid the destructive consequences of another war following World War I and was fueled by economic challenges as well as a general war-weariness in many nations. Leaders believed that satisfying some of the demands of totalitarian states would stabilize Europe and preserve their own nations from the potential horrors of military conflict.

The policy of appeasement ultimately proved to be ineffective, as it did not prevent the outbreak of World War II but rather emboldened aggressor states to pursue further military campaigns. Thus, making concessions to dictatorial powers—intended to avert war—characterizes the core meaning of appeasement in this historical context.