Hitler's Road to World War II: Aggression and Expansion

Hitler's Core Objectives

Adolf Hitler's foreign policy was driven by several key objectives, which he believed would restore Germany's power and prestige:

• Abolishing the Treaty of Versailles

  Hitler vehemently opposed the Treaty of Versailles, viewing it as unjust and a constant reminder of Germany's defeat and humiliation in World War I. Upon coming to power, Germany ceased all reparation payments altogether.

• Expanding German Territory

  Hitler sought to reclaim territories lost by Germany under the Treaty of Versailles. His ambitions included uniting with Austria (the Anschluss), incorporating German minorities from neighboring states, and establishing a vast empire in Eastern Europe (Lebensraum).

• Defeating Communism

  As a staunch anti-communist, Hitler blamed communists for Germany's defeat in World War I and believed they posed an existential threat, aiming to take over Germany.

Hitler's Aggressive Actions (Increasing International Tension)

Hitler systematically pursued his objectives through a series of increasingly aggressive actions, challenging international order:

• German Rearmament

  Hitler's primary aim was to significantly increase Germany's armed forces. Unemployed workers were drafted into the army, which also helped reduce unemployment. Initially, rearmament was conducted secretly to avoid alarming other countries and the League of Nations. Despite publicly stating he would not rearm, Hitler withdrew Germany from the League of Nations. By 1936, Germany openly rearmed, boosting Nazi support domestically. Britain showed some sympathy on the issue, particularly regarding the perceived unfairness of the Treaty of Versailles.

  The Remilitarization of the Rhineland in March 1936 was a bold move. Hitler argued that Germany was under threat from a Franco-Soviet alliance, necessitating the placement of troops on its frontiers. Britain did not intervene, marking the start of the policy of appeasement. While Britain condemned Hitler's action, it was largely powerless to act, and the German army at this point was still weak, lacking essential equipment and air support.

• Territorial Expansion

  • The Saar Plebiscite (1935): This small territory within Germany had been ruled by the League of Nations since 1919. In 1935, the League organized a plebiscite for its inhabitants to vote on returning to German rule. It was a significant success for Hitler, with 90% voting to rejoin Germany.
  • Anschluss with Austria (1938): The Austrian people were predominantly German, and Hitler believed the two states belonged together. Many in Austria desired union with Germany due to economic weakness, and the Nazi Party was active there. Although a plebiscite was called, Hitler sent his troops to ensure control. A majority voted to unite, and Austria was incorporated into Germany. Britain and France allowed this to happen.
  • The Sudetenland Crisis (1938): This region in Czechoslovakia was rich in natural resources. With growing confidence, Hitler knew Britain and France would defend Czechoslovakia if he invaded. Many Germans in the Sudetenland demanded union with Germany, and Hitler intended to fight Czechoslovakia if necessary. Edvard Beneš, the Czechoslovak leader, opposed Hitler's invasion. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain initially sought to give Hitler only parts of the Sudetenland, but Hitler truly wanted to control the entire region. The Sudetenland was ceded to Germany without consulting Czechoslovakia, formalized by the Munich Agreement. Hitler then sent German troops into the Sudetenland.
  • Occupation of Czechoslovakia (1939): Britain no longer trusted Hitler after the Munich Agreement. German troops took over the rest of Czechoslovakia with no resistance from the Czechs. Britain and France did nothing. This invasion, however, marked the definitive end of the policy of appeasement.

• Invasion of Poland and the Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939)

  The Nazi-Soviet Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Hitler and Stalin, was initially secret. Germany and the USSR agreed to invade Poland together. Publicly, Germany and the Soviet Union pledged to defend each other in case of aggression.

  Causes of the Pact:

  • Hitler sought expansion and protection from the USSR, fearing a conflict with Stalin on two fronts.
  • Stalin also desired expansion and feared Hitler's ambitions.
  • Stalin was playing for time to rearm and was not convinced that Britain and France would be strong allies against Germany.
  • The pact was one of convenience, driven by mutual fears and distrust, and a desire to gauge the reaction of Britain and France.

  Outbreak of War: German troops invaded Poland from the West, and Soviet forces invaded from the East. Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War II.