Hitler's expansion

Definition

Hitler's expansion refers to the aggressive territorial ambitions pursued by Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the years leading up to and during World War II. This policy aimed at uniting all German-speaking peoples under one Reich and involved the invasion and annexation of several countries, significantly contributing to the outbreak of the war and altering the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hitler's expansion began with the reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936, violating the Treaty of Versailles and asserting Germany's military strength.
2. The annexation of Austria (Anschluss) in March 1938 was a key moment in Hitler's expansion, showcasing his intention to unite all German-speaking populations.
3. The Munich Agreement in September 1938 allowed Hitler to take over the Sudetenland, further illustrating the failure of appeasement policies by Britain and France.
4. Invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the official start of World War II as it prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
5. Hitler aimed to establish a Greater German Empire through his expansionist policies, leading to widespread devastation across Europe and contributing to the Holocaust.

Review Questions

• How did Hitler's expansionist policies contribute to the start of World War II?
  • Hitler's expansionist policies directly contributed to the start of World War II by aggressively pursuing territorial claims that violated international agreements. His reoccupation of the Rhineland, annexation of Austria, and subsequent invasion of Poland demonstrated a blatant disregard for peace efforts. These actions provoked responses from Britain and France, which ultimately declared war on Germany after Poland was invaded, marking the official beginning of the conflict.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of European powers' response to Hitler's expansion leading up to World War II.
  • The response of European powers to Hitler's expansion was largely ineffective, characterized by a policy of appeasement that allowed Germany to violate treaties without significant consequences. The Munich Agreement is a prime example, where Britain and France conceded parts of Czechoslovakia in hopes of maintaining peace. This ultimately emboldened Hitler and led him to pursue further aggression, showcasing that appeasement failed to prevent war and instead facilitated his expansionist aims.
• Analyze how Hitler's concept of Lebensraum influenced Nazi policies and military strategies during World War II.
  • Hitler's concept of Lebensraum was central to Nazi ideology, driving military strategies aimed at expanding German territory primarily in Eastern Europe. This idea justified aggressive actions like the invasion of Poland and later campaigns against the Soviet Union as a means to acquire land for settlement and resources for the German population. The pursuit of Lebensraum not only shaped military tactics but also led to brutal policies against conquered peoples, as seen in the Holocaust and other atrocities committed during the war. The implications were far-reaching, affecting millions and altering Europe's demographic landscape dramatically.

Related terms

Lebensraum:

The concept of 'living space' that justified Hitler's expansionist policies, emphasizing the need for Germany to acquire more territory for its growing population.

Anschluss:

The annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938, marking a significant early step in Hitler's expansionist agenda.

Munich Agreement:

A settlement reached in 1938 allowing Nazi Germany to annex portions of Czechoslovakia, demonstrating the policy of appeasement by European powers toward Hitler's expansion.