In-Depth Notes on Hitler's Foreign Policy and the Outbreak of World War II

Introduction

  • The decade of the 1930s saw a significant increase in tensions leading to WWII.
  • Japan's invasion of Manchuria (1931) marked the beginning of aggressive expansions by axis powers (Japan, Italy, Germany).
  • Numerous nations (Abyssinia, China, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Memel, Albania, Poland) faced aggression from these powers.

Long-term consequences of the Treaty of Versailles

  • Dissatisfaction among countries: Many nations were unhappy with post-WWI arrangements.

    • Japan: Disappointed by rejection of racial equality clause; expected more concessions in Asia.
    • Italy: Felt denied of territories like Fiume, which went to Yugoslavia.
    • Germany: Opposed Treaty of Versailles on multiple grounds (territorial, military restrictions, reparations, 'war guilt').

  • Stab-in-the-back myth: A belief that Germany had not truly lost the war but was betrayed by domestic politicians. This narrative helped in Hitler's rise by fostering a desire to overturn the Versailles settlement.

  • Treaty limitations: Germany was discontented yet still capable of re-emerging as a strong power due to retained industrial regions (Rhineland).

Hitler’s Foreign Policy Aims and Actions

  • Main Objective: Aim to restore German greatness and territorial expansion based on racial purity.
Key Aims:
  1. Destroy the Treaty of Versailles:
    • Focused on rearmament, remilitarizing the Rhineland.
    • Wanted to regain lost German territories.
  2. Create a Greater Germany:
    • Incorporate all German-speaking peoples (e.g., Austria, parts of Czechoslovakia, Poland).
  3. Destroy communism:
    • Hostility towards the USSR; potential for conflict.
  4. Acquire lebensraum (living space):
    • Expand eastward for resources and settlement opportunities.
Actions 1933–1935:
  • Initial actions appeared cautious: Walking out of the Disarmament Conference, rearming secretly, increasing military capabilities.
  • Establishment of non-aggression pacts (1934) with Poland: Ensured Polish neutrality while planning movements against Czechoslovakia.

Consequences of the League of Nations Failures

  • The League, formed for collective security, faced significant tests and eventually demonstrated incapacity, especially during:
    • Japanese invasion of Manchuria (1931): League unable to respond effectively.
    • Italian invasion of Abyssinia (1935): League's sanctions were ineffective and highlighted its weaknesses.
League's Failures Encouraging Agression:
  • Encouraged further territorial ambitions of aggressor nations (Germany, Japan, Italy).
  • Failure to maintain order led to individual countries rearming and adopting aggressive policies.

The Policy of Appeasement

  • Definition: Giving concessions to dictators to maintain peace.
Justifications for Appeasement:
  1. Rectifying Versailles: Many believed treaty was excessively punitive towards Germany.
  2. Popular public opinion: Peace was desired by war-weary public in Britain and France.
  3. Threat of communism: A strong Germany was seen as a bulwark against communist expansion.
  4. Time to rearm: Gave Western nations time to build up their military strength.
  5. Unwillingness to act: France lacked will to deter German actions; Soviet Russia was viewed with suspicion.
Effects of Appeasement:
  • Corroborated Hitler’s confidence, allowing further aggressive actions (e.g., Anschluss, empowering militarism).
  • Led to Czechoslovakia's loss of the Sudetenland, demonstrating failure of deterrence policy.

Invasion of Poland and War Declaration

  • Nazi-Soviet Pact (August 1939): Non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union sealed Poland’s fate.
  • Germany invaded Poland (September 1, 1939): Britain and France declared war due to previous guarantees to Poland.
  • The invasion illustrated Hitler's intentions for European domination, prompting a shift from appeasement to military confrontation.

Conclusion: Role of Hitler's Foreign Policy

  • The aggressive nature of Hitler’s foreign policy was central to the outbreak of war, as it breached the previous treaties and agreements.
  • The responses from Britain and France, including failed appeasement strategies and underestimating Hitler’s ambitions, collectively contributed to the inevitable conflict in 1939.