Adolf Hitler is known as one of the most influential personalities in modern history. He is often associated with World War 2, the conflict that brought death and destruction on an unprecedented scale. But why did Hitler take such drastic steps to start the war? What were his motivations? To understand this, we must look at the political climate in Europe in the 1930s, a decade that saw the rise of fascism and the decline of democracy in much of the continent.
Hitler’s rise to power began in 1933, when he was appointed Chancellor of Germany. His National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) was an extremist organization which rejected democracy and sought to create a totalitarian state. Hitler believed that the German people were entitled to a greater political and economic power, and used his newfound authority to advocate for the expansion of German territory. He saw the restoration of Germany’s military might and a return to “traditional” European power balance as a central goal of his leadership.
Hitler’s outspoken anti-Semitism was a primary factor in his desire to start a war. He believed that the Jews were a race of people that posed a threat to the German way of life, and sought to exterminate them or drive them out of the country. He also had territorial ambitions, and wanted to expand Germany’s borders to include much of Europe. Finally, Hitler felt that it was necessary to eliminate communism, which was gaining momentum in Europe in the 1930s, in order to create a strong, unified “Aryan” nation.
In order to achieve these goals, Hitler took drastic measures. He re-armed Germany and signed a series of non-aggression pacts with other European nations, which allowed him to take control of the German-speaking people of Czechoslovakia without a declaration of war. He then invaded Poland in September 1939, in what is considered the start of World War II.
Hitler’s actions caused a global reaction, with other countries from around the world joining the fight in order to oppose his aggression. World War 2 was a devastating conflict with millions of casualties worldwide, and it is clear that it could have been avoided had Hitler not taken those drastic steps in 1939.
Hitler’s Personality
In order to understand why Hitler started World War 2, it is necessary to consider his motivations and personality. Hitler’s personal philosophy and belief system were based on his fanatic nationalism, racism and anti-Semitic views. He believed relentlessly in his “Master Race” theory, and was willing to take extreme measures to achieve his objectives, even if it meant sacrificing the lives of millions of people.
Hitler was a cunning political strategist and was able to manipulate the German population into believing that his actions were necessary for the country’s “greater good”. He was able to convince the people of Germany that his actions were justified and necessary, and this allowed him to carry out his policies with little opposition.
Hitler was also a powerful speaker and had the ability to captivate and inspire people with his words. He was able to take advantage of the political and economic weaknesses of other European countries to achieve his own strategic aims, which contributed to the outbreak of World War 2.
The Role of Allies
Hitler did not act alone in his quest to start a war. His actions were aided and supported by Nazi collaborators who helped him carry out his policies and spread his ideologies. These individuals, such as Rudolf Hess and Joseph Goebbels, endorsed and implemented the cruel, fascist system established by Hitler, and helped spread Nazi propaganda that sought to dehumanize minority groups and justify atrocities.
In addition, Hitler had the support of Germany’s military and economy, which provided him with the means to take such drastic steps. This was facilitated by the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed huge reparation costs on Germany and weakened the country’s economy, leaving it open to exploitation by authoritarian figures like Hitler.
Moreover, Hitler was also able to gain the support of other countries in Europe, such as Italy, which became an ally of Germany in its quest for power. Italy provided Nazi Germany with vital resources, and their collaboration enabled the expansion of the German state that eventually led to the outbreak of World War 2.
Aftermath of War
The consequences of World War 2 were catastrophic, with millions of people killed, displaced, or subjected to atrocities. The war also caused immense physical destruction, with major cities across Europe suffering destruction from bombing raids as well as from the vast armies that crossed their borders. In Germany, the war also caused massive economic disruption, leading to an eventual collapse of its post-war currency.
The war also resulted in the downfall of Hitler’s government and the eventual downfall of fascism in Europe. Although fascism lingers in some corners of the continent to this day, the rise of democracy and civil liberties following the war were a direct result of the sacrifices made by Allied forces.
The war also saw the birth of the United Nations, a global institution to promote peace and co-operation between nations. The UN has served as a bulwark against future armed conflicts, and has been instrumental in establishing the international laws and customs that serve to protect citizens worldwide.
Legacy of Hitler
Hitler’s legacy is one of shame and disgrace, and his actions will continue to be remembered as a stain upon the history of modern civilization. His decisions and policies led to the death and suffering of millions of innocent people and caused untold destruction to the countries he invaded. The memory of his actions will continue to haunt us for generations to come.
Despite his cruelty and brutality, however, Hitler’s legacy is not only one of shame. His actions set the stage for the eventual dismantling of fascism and the spread of democracy. His war also served as a wake-up call for the international community and ensured that the horrors of global conflict would not be forgotten. In this respect, his reign was both the beginning of a nightmare, and the end of one.
Struggle of Victims
The victims of Hitler’s war must not be forgotten either. Survivors of the Holocaust and other atrocities carried out by the Nazis are still struggling to recover from the physical and psychological trauma they endured, and their experiences must be honored and remembered. Furthermore, those who were displaced by the war or subjected to displacement still battle to reclaim the homes and freedoms that were stripped away from them. The survivors’ stories must remain part of the narrative of World War 2, as they represent the tragic cost of Hitler’s actions.
There are also those who continue to struggle with the consequences of Hitler’s actions today. Many of the countries that were occupied by the Nazis have yet to fully recover from the devastation inflicted upon them, and their citizens continue to suffer from the legacy of dictatorship and oppression. The Allies’ victory in 1945 brought freedom for the occupied countries, but many are still struggling to establish and secure civil liberties.
Lessons from War
The alarm bells that were sounded by Hitler’s war remain as relevant today as they were in 1939. Unfortunately, history shows us that personal or political agendas can be used to manipulate governments and populations, leading to disastrous outcomes. These events also highlight the fragility of democratic governments and the importance of upholding civil liberties and pursuing collective goals.
The horrors of World War 2 also remind us of the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for human life. It is critical that we work together to prevent similar catastrophes from occurring in the future, and strive to create an international system that respects the rights of all peoples and nations.
Finally, we must learn the lessons of our past in order to create a better future. As we look to build a new world order, let us remember those who suffered and perished during World War 2, and strive to create a peaceful, just, and inclusive society.
