The Saar Plebiscite, 1935

What was the Saar plebiscite?

Under the terms of Versailles, the coal-mining Saar region on the French and German border could hold a plebiscite (people's vote) after 15 years of League of Nations rule on who should control the region - Germany or France.

When did the Saar plebiscite happen?

The Saar plebiscite happened on 13th January, 1935.

Why did Hitler want the Saar plebiscite?

Hitler wanted the Saar plebiscite for 2 key reasons:

• ❖ He wanted to show the world that German-speaking people wanted to unite together under the Nazi regime.
• ❖ The area was rich in coalfields, which was a vital resource for industrial production and to build weaponry.

What were the results of the Saar plebiscite?

The result of the plebiscite was that 90 percent of the people voted to rejoin Germany.

What was the significance of the Saar plebiscite?

The plebiscite was significant as it provided Hitler an excellent propaganda victory in justifying his actions in uniting all German-speaking people. And Hitler also gained key resources to build his industry and weapons as he prepared for war.