European Reactions to Nazi Germany and the Path to War

European Reactions to Nazi Germany

Germany's Actions and Motivations

Hitler's Ideology:

• Believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and Germany's destiny to dominate Europe.

• Aimed to expand German territory for a growing population.

• Targeted the Soviet Union as a primary area for expansion, intending to resettle German peasants and enslave Slavic peoples.

Violation of the Treaty of Versailles

• Military Violations:

  • March 9, 1935: Hitler announced the creation of a new German air force and initiated a military draft, increasing army size from 100,000 to 550,000 troops, violating the Treaty of Versailles.

  • March 7, 1936: German troops occupied the Rhineland, which was demilitarized under the Treaty.

  • France was unable to act without British support, which Britain did not provide, interpreting Germany's actions as reasonable demands.

Policy of Appeasement

• British Response:

  • Great Britain adopted a policy of appeasement, believing that satisfying Germany's reasonable demands would ensure stability and peace in Europe.

  • Hitler's occupation of the Rhineland initially faced no military opposition from Western powers.

Expansion and Alliances (1935-1939)

• Anschluss with Austria:

  • In 1938, Hitler threatened Austria and facilitated a Nazi-led government, leading to the annexation of Austria into Germany.

• Munich Agreement:

  • In September 1938, Hitler demanded the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, claiming it was necessary for German people.

  • The Munich Conference (October 1938) resulted in Western powers agreeing to Hitler's demands, believing it would achieve peace.

  • Chamberlain famously declared it meant "peace for our time"; however, this was soon proven naive as Hitler continued his aggression.

Outbreak of World War II

• German Aggression

  • March 1939: Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, disregarding promises made during appeasement talks.

  • Danzig was demanded from Poland, prompting British and French guarantees of Polish independence.

• Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact:

  • August 23, 1939: Germany and the Soviet Union signed an agreement not to attack each other, paving the way for war in Europe.

• Invasion of Poland:

  • September 1, 1939: Germany invaded Poland, leading to Britain and France declaring war on Germany on September 3, 1939.

Japan's Expansionist Policies

• Seizure of Manchuria:

  • Japan sought to expand into Manchuria in 1931, using a fabricated incident as justification.

  • Formed a puppet state, Manchukuo, under Henry Pu Yi.

• Conflict with China:

  • By 1937, Japan engaged in full-scale war with China, leading to atrocities such as the Rape of Nanjing.

• Collaboration with Nazi Germany:

  • Japan grew closer to Germany through mutual interests against communism and aspirations of territorial expansion.

Economic Pressures and Decisions

• U.S. Sanctions:

  • The U.S. warned Japan against further expansion in Southeast Asia, threatening economic sanctions.

  • Japan faced a dilemma as it needed resources from the U.S. but sought to expand its empire.

• Attack on U.S. and European Colonies:

  • Ultimately, Japan decided to attack, aiming to secure resources and avoid sanctions, leading to further global conflict.