In 1939, Adolf Hitler’s rise to power was nearing its conclusion.The same year, his orders to prepare for the invasion of Poland marked the beginning of the Second World War. While Hitler initially seemed determined to make war with Poland, the cause of the conflict was rooted in a complex set of ideologies and geopolitical alliances that existed prior to the war.
The main goals of the Nazi party, led by Hitler, were the unified rule of Germany, strengthening Aryan nationalism, ethnic imperialism, and the elimination of Jews and other “inferior” people from the country. To achieve this, he believed it was necessary to expand the territory of Germany and gain autarky economic self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, Hitler adopted an aggressive foreign policy to acquire more resources, gain access to new markets, and undermine democracy in Europe.
To expand his boundaries, Hitler negotiated a series of agreements with other European countries. First, he signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement in 1935 that allowed Germany to expand its navy, which provided an opportunity for increased military power. Then he signed a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union in 1939 and invaded Poland in the same year. This was a breach of the pact and served to create tension with the Allies. Hitler continued to make agreements with other European nations including Italy and Japan in the attempt to form an Axis of Powers.
Hitler’s foreign policy was driven by a German-first mentality and the expansion of his rule. Hitler believed that he could use the war to gain control of more resources, and demonstrate the superiority of the Aryan race by defeating the enemy forces and dominating the region. In addition, Hitler’s actions were supported by German industrialists and business interests as they hoped to benefit economically from the occupation of new territories. The issue of the Nazi’s anti-Semitic policies and the genocide of Jews was also a popular belief among sections of the German population that Hitler’s expansionist policies aimed to ‘purge’ Germany of the Jewish people.
The Nazi’s long-term intentions were to create a Greater German Reich, with control over all of Europe, but the full realisation of this plan was met with resistance from the rest of Europe which ultimately led to the Second World War. Ultimately, Hitler’s expansionist policies, coupled with his fanatical ideology and the support of German industry and the people, paved the way for the creation of the Third Reich, and the outbreak of the Second World War.
Impact on European Society
Hitler’s actions had a profound impact on European society that is still felt today. The war, it resulted in the displacement of millions of people and the destruction of entire cities. There were also economic consequences on countries that were occupied, as resources were diverted to sustain the German war machine. The Nazis’ attempts to control Europe gave rise to a more unified system of politics and governance, which has been implemented to varying degrees in various countries.
Even after the war, Hitler’s policies of hatred and discrimination towards Jews and other minority groups had a lasting impact. The Holocaust and other Nazi crimes against humanity have shaped the way many countries view and treat minority groups to this day. The legacy of Hitler’s actions is still very much alive and has shaped global, and especially European culture.
Response of Allied Forces
The Allied forces actively opposed Hitler’s plans of expansion and his regime.The UK and France declared war on Germany when it invaded Poland in 1939 and the US did so in 1941 when Germany declared war on it. The Allied forces resisted Hitler’s forces with a number of strategies, most notably through the Lend-Lease policies. This allowed the Allies to provide military equipment to their allies and allowed them to put pressure on the enemy. The Allies also engaged in economic warfare, such as the oil and counterintelligence operations.
The Allies put immense pressure on the Axis powers and weakened them by cutting off their flow of resources. This ultimately allowed the Allies to mount a successful invasion of France, and eventually, secure victory in the war.
Post-War Legacy
Hitler’s actions, and the war that he caused, left a lasting mark on European and world history. The Holocaust, and other Nazi war crimes, served as a reminder that unchecked dictatorship and aggression have catastrophic consequences. The Allies and their victory also served to show the strength of the Allied forces, but also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and unity in the face of a powerful enemy.
Following the war, the Allies also began to work together to rebuild Europe and create a more peaceful, cooperative and democratic society. This process was aided by the new institutions that were established in Europe through the United Nations, the Bretton Woods agreements on monetary and fiscal policy, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and more. This has enabled the continent to develop into a prosperous and peaceful region.
Analysis
Hitler’s rise to power and his subsequent policy of expansion was rooted in his extremist ideology and efforts to create a Greater German Reich. His fanatical rule also had strong economic and political support from German industry and society. This ultimately led to the invasion of Poland in 1939, and sparked the beginning of the Second World War.
The war that followed had a profound impact on the geography and politics of Europe, as well as its culture. The war resulted in immense destruction, displacement and human suffering and serves as a reminder of the consequences of aggressive foreign policies and unchecked power. The post-war period saw the establishment of new international institutions and agreements to ensure a more democratic and peaceful post-war order.
Legacy
Hitler’s actions and their repercussions are still felt in Europe and around the world today. His extremist ideologies and foreign policy resulted in immense suffering for millions of people and have shaped our understanding of the consequences of unchecked power. On the other hand, the post-war period has seen Europe move towards a more unified and prosperous future, thanks in part to the establishment of international institutions and agreements.
Conclusion
Hitler’s rise to power in Europe, and his resulting policy of expansion, was the main cause of the Second World War. The war had a massive impact on Europe, with immense destruction and displacement, but also the creation of a new order in the region. In conclusion, Hitler’s actions and the resulting war have shaped our understanding of the consequences of unchecked power and how international cooperation can lead to a more unified, prosperous world.
