Background of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician, renowned for his role as the leader of the Nazi Party and the instigator of the Second World War in Europe. In power from 1933-1945, Hitler built a totalitarian regime that implemented some of the most extreme policies in modern history, a major factor in Germany’s role in the Second World War. In debates among history scholars, a core question remains whether or not Hitler alone was responsible for the outbreak of the war.
Adolf Hitler and the German Expansion
Prior to World War Two, Hitler had emerged as a major political leader in Germany. He ran on a Nazi Party ticket that prioritized German nationalism and militancy, boasting a powerful expansionist agenda. By 1935, a military expansion had begun which saw rapid German coalition with Austria, then Czechoslovakia, then Memel. When it came to the Sudetenland, a region disputed between Germany and Czechoslovakia, Hitler was decisive and forceful when German troops moved in.
Hitler’s Break From the Treaty of Versailles
In 1938, Hitler pressed on with pushing forward with his expansionist agenda, using the newly formed Nazi military to invade other neighbouring nations. In March of that year, Hitler left the League of Nations, taking Germany out with him, and soon followed with the repudiation of the promise Germany had made never to invade another nation. Hitler’s policy was to break out of the Treaty of Versailles, a covenant Germany had signed in 1918 at the close of World War One, and to return Germany to its previously strong and powerful state, toppling any government that got in the way.
Commencement of World War Two
On 3 September 1939, just weeks after the final annexation of Czechoslovakia, Hitler declared war on Poland. This was the start of World War Two, and Hitler’s forces quickly moved over the Polish border, starting what would become the most conflict-ridden and destructive years the continent had ever seen. Winston Churchill, who later became Prime Minister of Great Britain, stated that the war began from this day forward and that “Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war”.
International Reactions to Hitler’s Invasions
The international response to Hitler’s invasions was vast and varied. In March of 1938, with the first land annexation, neighbouring states responded with a combined declaration of economic sanctions against Germany. Great Britain and France declared their support for the Czechoslovakian government and summoned Germany for denunciation in the League of Nations, but no punitive action was taken. Instead, on the 30 September of 1938, the Munich Agreement gave Hitler free rein over the Sudetenland, a move that left Britain and France feeling they had no choice but to sign.
The Responsibility of Hitler in Causing World War Two
The complex relationship between the League of Nations and Adolf Hitler continues to be debated by historians. However, it is clear that the expansionist aims of Hitler, and the highly aggressive military tactics he implemented in order to achieve them, largely instigated World War Two and the devastating consequences it had for millions of people.
Hitler’s Plans for World Domination
A key factor in Hitler’s refusal to abide by the Treaty of Versailles was his globalist ambitions. Hitler wrote in Mein Kampf that he was determined to create a ‘New World Order’ that would establish Germany as the most powerful nation on the planet. To achieve this, he proposed a series of wars that would expand Germany’s scope beyond its traditional European borders. With the outbreak of World War Two, it became clear that Hitler was intent on seeing through his aims and united a large section of the German population behind his cause.
Destructive Impact of World War Two
The destructive impact of World War Two did not only affect Germany, but Europe and the world. Over 60 million people perished during the conflict with its bloody battles, resulting in widespread destruction and economic despair. This tragedy was particularly felt in the countries that were occupied by Hitler’s forces. In Poland alone, over six million Poles were killed. The end result of Nazi Germany’s decision to press on with its ambitions for world domination was a period of intense suffering for Europe and the world.
Analysis of Hitler’s Actions
Hitler’s expansionist aims, in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles, revealed his ultimate goal of world domination and the lengths he was willing to take to bring it about. Through military aggression, Hitler forced a series of successive land appropriations that threatened global stability and together with the Nazi regime led to the Second World War.
Nazi Regime’s Influence on Hitler’s Actions
The Nazi regime during Hitler’s reign employed a powerful combination of propaganda and total control of the media, and this undoubtedly served to influence his motivation. Yet, while many ordinary citizens of the Third Reich were undoubtedly duped by Nazi propaganda, Hitler was clearly the major driving force behind the decision to start World War Two and culpable for both its commencement and the devastating consequences of his actions.
Public Resistance to Hitler’s Actions
Despite many German citizens enthusiastically supporting Hitler, there was also a deep public opposition to his actions. Political opposition was fierce and brave souls such as Hans Scholl fought for Germany’s freedom. Across Europe there were various organizations that were secretly working to resist Hitler, although the magnitude of the task at hand meant that their actions were not enough to prevent World War Two and the horrific consequences that followed.
The Continuing Relationship Between Germany and the European Union
Since the war, Germany has gone through a period of healing and reconciliation. To the present day, the country has become an integral member of the European Union, offering a framework of security and stability to maintain peace on the continent. The legacy of World War Two remains a powerful force in Europe today and is a reminder of the need for collaboration and understanding in order to ensure such a tragedy never takes place again.
