Adolf Hitler held the position of Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945. During this time, he implemented various policies with one goal in mind – the creation of a “greater Germany”. At the core of his plan was a unified Germany, with a strong emphasis on German nationalism and pride. But Hitler’s vision for Germany was far more than a vision of united nation. He sought to achieve a strong, militaristic and economically powerful nation. Below we will explore Hitler’s plans for Germany in the 1930s and the impact he had on the country during that time.
Hitler’s primary goal in the 1930s was to reverse the humiliating Treaty of Versailles and restore Germany’s power and influence. He believed that the treaty, signed at the end of World War I, unfairly imposed economic, military, and territorial restrictions on Germany. Hitler was determined to overwrite the treaty and restore Germany’s status as a great and powerful nation. He saw this as the only way to reunite and strengthen the German people.
Hitler’s plan to restore Germany’s militarism began with building an army of conscripts. He sought to create an army of one million men and committed to increasing military spending for the purpose of rebuilding Germany’s power and strength. He alienated potential allies, such as France and Britain, as he worked towards achieving his “greater Germany” plan. Hitler also sought to create a unified Germany through a series of cultural and economic policies.
Culturally, Hitler sought to align Germany with a national pride and sense of purpose. He revolved much of his rhetoric around the idea of “Germanness” and promised to create a truly unified German people. He made it a priority to develop an ideology of national pride and racial superiority. To further this agenda, Hitler created the infamous Nuremberg Laws in 1935, which deprived Jews of their German citizenship, stripped Jews of their rights, and restricted their economic opportunities.
Economically, Hitler sought to bring about what he called ‘an economic miracle’. He implemented a series of heavy defenses, believing them necessary for German economic stability. He also sought to create a publicly funded welfare system, introduce labor laws and assign quotas for workers in various industries. As part of his economic plan, Hitler’s government also invested in public works projects, such as the Autobahn, creating jobs and providing economic relief to the German people.
Hitler’s vision for Germany was a nation characterized by national pride, strong military presence, and economic prosperity; but it was also one characterized by racial superiority and oppressive laws against Jews and other minority groups. It is estimated that over 11 million people died during the Holocaust, many of them persecuted on account of their racial or religious identity. Hitler’s plan to create a powerful, unified nation had devastating and far-reaching consequences, both domestic and international.
Economic Impact of Hitler’s Policies
Hitler’s economic policies, including heavy defense and public works projects, temporarily brought about economic stability for the German people. The nation experienced a reduction in unemployment and an improvement in wages – a result of the labor laws enforced during Hitler’s rule. But these economic benefits were short-lived. By 1939, Germany experienced a sudden economic decline as the nation prepared for war, with wages decreasing and unemployment becoming an ever-growing problem.
The economic decline experienced during Germany’s period of Nazi rule was largely caused by Hitler’s aggressive spending in military projects. This money could have been used to construct factories, build infrastructure, and develop social programs. The focus on military expansion and defense resulted in the German economy becoming heavily reliant on loans, many of which were taken out with other countries. This resulted in Germany becoming highly indebted in 1939, as the majority of its loan repayments were devoted to military purposes.
Unable to meet its loan payments, Germany defaulted on numerous loans in 1939. This led to a collapse of its credit rating, resulting in the value of the German currency declining and Germany becoming unable to obtain more loans to fund its aggressive military expansion.
The Munich Agreement and German Expansion
Hitler sought to expand German territory, both within and outside Europe, during this period. This started becoming apparent with the Munich Agreement in 1938, which allowed Germany to annex part of Czechoslovakia in return for a promise to maintain peace. This set a precedent for Hitler’s blatant disregard for international treaties and agreements, as it had only been a decade since Germany was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles.
Hitler continued to push for expansion of Germany abroad, leading to the invasion of Poland in 1939, which ultimately sparked the start of World War II. He believed the expansion of German territory was necessary in order to fully achieve his vision of a “greater Germany”. In doing so, he made it clear that he was willing to be ruthless and disregard international treaties in order to achieve his goal.
Criticism of Hitler’s Policies
Hitler’s policies in the 1930s were widely criticized both at the time and in the aftermath of World War II. His disregard for human rights and international treaties were seen as egregious violations of moral standards, leading to strong opposition to his rule from other nations around the world. Within Germany itself, there were many individuals and organizations that were critical of his policies and sought to oppose his rule.
Organizations such as the July 20 Conspiracy, an underground resistance movement composed of German military officers, sought to devise a plan to end Hitler’s rule by assassinating him in 1944. The movement ultimately failed and some of its members were executed shortly after the failed assassination attempt.
The Legacy of Hitler’s Policies
Hitler’s policies in the 1930s left a lasting legacy on Germany and the world. His push to reunite Germany resulted in thousands of deaths as a result of military expansion and the Holocaust, as well as long-term economic instability for Germany. Internationally, his disregard for treaties and human rights set a dangerous precedent that continues to unfortunately shape geopolitics in the 21st century.
Within Germany, his policies led to a deep-rooted feeling of guilt and shame that still pervades the nation’s culture. His actions during this period remain highly controversial as some continue to see him as a leader who sought to unite and rebuild Germany; while others regard him as an oppressive dictator responsible for millions of deaths.
The Debate Over Hitler’s Legacy
Despite his undeniable impact on German and world history, debates over Hitler’s legacy remain divided. Some continue to venerate Hitler as a leader who sought to restore German pride and power, while others view him as a ruthless dictator who disregarded human rights and violated international law. Despite the divisive nature of the debate, one thing is certain – Hitler’s policies in the 1930s remain a controversial and defining part of his legacy.
Hitler and World War II
Hitler’s goal in the 1930s was to ultimately restore German and European power and influence; but this aim was ultimately furthered by the outbreak of World War II. The war was officially declared following Hitler’s invasion of Poland in 1939 and was later expanded to include other countries around the world.
Historians have long debated the causes of World War II, and Hitler’s aggressive policies are seen as central to its outbreak. His refusal to compromise on international agreements and compromise resulted in a heightened sense of hostility amongst various nations, ultimately leading to war.
International Repercussions of World War II
The consequences of the war remain one of the defining aspects of the twentieth century. It resulted in millions of deaths, the displacement of millions of people, and the destruction of entire cities and countries. On an international scale, the war resulted in a drastic redrawing of the geopolitics of both Europe and the world.
The war also marked the end of colonialism and sparked increased civil rights movements, including decolonization efforts in the Middle East, India, Africa, and South East Asia. In Europe and Japan, the war sparked a period of rebuilding, leading to the creation of new international organizations, such as the United Nations, in order to ensure the peaceful relations between nations.
Assessment of Hitler’s Policies
In assessing Hitler’s policies in the 1930s, it is clear that his actions had a lasting impact, both domestically and internationally. His goal of creating a “greater Germany” ultimately resulted in widespread death and destruction throughout Europe, as well as the reshaping of global power and politics. His disregard for international agreements and human rights was widely condemned and seen as morally reprehensible. While there are some who still seek to venerate Hitler as a great leader, it is clear that his policies have left a devastating legacy.
