This caused Western Europe to take action. In early 1938, Britain, France and Poland began calling on military units to fortify their borders. Explicitly, Britain and Poland signed a Mutual Assistance Treaty that would require both nations to react to a German attack on either country. This treaty is symbolic of Europe’s reaction to Hitler’s aggression because it still showed a policy of appeasement. Neither Britain nor Poland would attack German forces unless they directly invaded. Just six days after the treaty was signed, the British began mobilizing their fleet to prepare for a German attack. That day, Germany invaded Poland. Consequently, Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand declared war on Germany. From September 1, 1939 through
