Causes of WW2 Lecture

Introduction to World War II Causes

Overview of the Lecture

• The lecture focuses on the causes leading up to World War II, examining both long-term and short-term factors.

Importance of World War II

• World War II is considered one of the largest human events in history, affecting global dynamics and resulting in approximately 55 million deaths.

• It reshaped international politics, establishing the United States and Soviet Union as superpowers and setting the stage for the Cold War.

• The war also contributed to decolonization, with European colonial empires diminishing and liberation movements emerging in former colonies during the 1950s and 60s.

Misconceptions About WWII

• Some historians refer to WWII as "the last good war," a notion that overlooks the immense suffering caused by it. This will be discussed further in future lectures.

Connection Between World War I and World War II

Treaty of Versailles Impact

• The origins of WWII are deeply rooted in the aftermath of WWI, particularly through the Treaty of Versailles which fostered resentment in Germany.

• Many Germans believed they were winning WWI due to propaganda but felt betrayed when they surrendered without foreign troops present in Berlin. This led to feelings of being "stabbed in the back."

Consequences for Germany

• The Treaty aimed to weaken Germany by taking away territory, imposing reparations, restricting military capabilities, and including a war guilt clause (Article 231). These actions fueled German resentment towards their government and international community.

• Simultaneously, other nations like Britain sought appeasement towards Germany while Italy felt slighted by territorial decisions made at Versailles. Russia was excluded from these discussions entirely, increasing distrust among nations post-war.

Rise of Hitler and Political Climate

Hitler's Challenge to International Order

• Between 1933 and 1936, Hitler began challenging established international norms without facing significant opposition from other countries. His aggressive actions went largely unchecked during this period.

Economic Strain Leading to Resentment

• The Great Depression exacerbated economic difficulties globally; unemployment surged across nations including Germany which allowed extremist parties like the Nazis to gain traction by attacking existing political structures and promising national restoration between 1930–1933.

The Aggressive Moves of Hitler and the Failure of International Response

Hitler's Goals and Violations of the Treaty of Versailles

• Hitler aimed to change the Treaty of Versailles, acting aggressively by taking steps that violated it. His goals included destroying the treaty and attaining lebensraum (living space) for Germans.

• He sought economic self-sufficiency for Germany while aspiring to create a greater German Reich to dominate Europe. Additionally, he wanted to launch a crusade against Jews and communists, ensuring racial purity within his empire.

• Recognizing that achieving these ambitions would likely require war, Hitler issued secret orders years prior to his aggressive actions, indicating his awareness of the impending conflict.

Strategic Moves Against International Treaties

• Publicly promising peace, Hitler made strategic moves to violate the Treaty of Versailles by withdrawing Germany from international peace treaties post-WWI. He signed non-aggression pacts with neighboring countries as part of this strategy.

• In March 1935, he announced the reestablishment of the Luftwaffe (air force), justifying it as a defensive measure against perceived threats from Jews and communists. This justification was used repeatedly to break treaty obligations without facing significant backlash from other nations.

• Following minimal international reaction, he proceeded to announce plans for rebuilding the army, further disregarding treaty limitations and gaining prestige on an international level through events like hosting the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

The Perception of Hitler in International Politics

• After being awarded the opportunity to host the Olympics, Hitler expressed confidence about Germany's future dominance in sports and politics, suggesting that Berlin would be a central hub for many years ahead. This reflected his growing power and acceptance on an international stage despite his aggressive policies.

• Historians note that during this period, there was a failure in the international system as Britain and France did not effectively counteract German aggression or unite against it despite clear warning signs leading up to WWII.

Warning Signs Leading Up to War

• The Austrian crisis marked one significant warning sign indicating that war was approaching; Austria had cultural ties with Germany which influenced its political landscape during this time period leading up to 1938 when tensions escalated significantly across Europe.

The Annexation of Austria and the Road to War

The Austrian Chancellor's Plea for Protection

• In early 1938, the Austrian Chancellor sought protection from Britain and France due to fears of German aggression, highlighting Austria's new status after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary.

• Hitler was angered by this diplomatic move, leading to a meeting where he demanded control over Austria's foreign affairs.

The Occupation and Referendum

• Before a planned vote on annexation could occur, German troops occupied Austria, with Hitler justifying this action as fulfilling the will of the people.

• A referendum held in April 1938 reported an overwhelming 99.7% support for unification with Germany; however, historians question the legitimacy of this result due to coercive circumstances.

Exclusion from Voting

• Approximately 8% of Austrians were disenfranchised as "political enemies," including Jews and socialists, who likely would have opposed annexation but were barred from voting.

• Despite these exclusions, Germany officially annexed Austria, marking a significant step in Hitler’s expansionist agenda.

Tensions in Czechoslovakia

• Following Austria, Czechoslovakia became another target for German expansion; tensions rose over the Sudetenland region inhabited by ethnic Germans demanding reunification with Germany.

• As Czechoslovakia prepared for potential conflict against Germany, European leaders convened in Munich to discuss peace efforts.

The Munich Conference and Its Aftermath

• At the Munich Conference in autumn 1938, without Czechoslovakian representation, European leaders conceded Sudetenland to Germany to avoid war.

• British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain returned home hailed as a hero for achieving "peace in our time," despite critics labeling him weak for appeasing Hitler.

Historical Perspectives on Appeasement

• Historians debate Chamberlain's actions; some view them as necessary given Britain's unpreparedness for war while others criticize his concessions as enabling further aggression.

• Chamberlain believed that conceding territory would prevent another devastating conflict like World War I and trusted Hitler’s assurances that it was his last territorial claim.

Growing Confidence of Axis Powers

• Following Munich, both Hitler and Stalin perceived Western powers as weak; Stalin felt excluded from discussions about Europe’s future and suspected ulterior motives behind Western diplomacy.

Stalin's Suspicion and the Prelude to WWII

Tensions in Czechoslovakia and Hitler's Aggression

• Joseph Stalin was wary of Western powers, especially after Hitler's annexation of the Sudetenland, which heightened ethnic tensions between Czechs and Slovaks in Czechoslovakia.

• In March 1939, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia, justifying it as a means to quell ethnic tensions; however, most viewed this as blatant aggression without justification for self-determination or self-defense.

• Britain and France promised to protect Poland from German invasion, drawing a line in the sand due to fears that Poland would be next.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

• In August 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression agreement despite their ideological opposition.

• This pact allowed both nations to avoid fighting on two fronts; Hitler sought to prevent conflict with the Soviets while preparing for an invasion of Poland.

• The treaty included a secret agreement where Germany would take half of Poland while the Soviet Union would claim the other half.