Why did Neville Chamberlain sign the Munich Pact?

Policy of Appeasement

In the wake of WWI, Europe was desperate to avoid another outbreak. With Hitler's rise to power, the European elite felt threatened. However, wanting to avoid war at all costs, they decided to give in to Hitler's demands, hoping that he would stick to his word. This was known as the policy of appeasement. Not only did they sign the Munich Pact, but they also ignored direct violations of the Versailles Treaty. Initially, Chamberlain was regarded as a hero for having avoided the war, but when Hitler invaded Poland, violating the terms of this agreement,the policy of appeasement was proven to be an abject failure.