Authoritarian States: Hitler's Foreign Policy

Adolf Hitler's Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Nazi Germany

Overview of Hitler's Foreign Policy Goals

• Adolf Hitler's foreign policy from 1933 to the onset of World War II aimed to bolster his leadership by gaining support from the German populace.

• The policy focused on three main objectives: overturning the Treaty of Versailles, acquiring territory with ethnic Germans, and expanding into Eastern Europe for "Lebensraum" (living space).

Reactions to the Treaty of Versailles

• Hitler's political campaigns in the 1920s and 30s were largely against the Treaty of Versailles, which he viewed as humiliating for Germany.

• Following a failed disarmament conference in Geneva in 1933, Germany withdrew from both this conference and the League of Nations, initiating a rearmament program.

Key Territorial Moves

• The Saarland region was under French control as reparations; a plebiscite in 1935 allowed its citizens to choose between France or Germany.

• The military occupation of the Rhineland was mandated by the treaty; however, Hitler later justified remilitarizing this area citing security concerns.

Diplomatic Agreements and Alliances

• In January 1934, Germany signed a non-aggression pact with Poland, which alleviated some concerns about German rearmament while weakening France’s alliances.

• Despite public agreements with Poland, Hitler privately considered them temporary and opportunistic.

Propaganda Victories and Military Expansion

• The plebiscite in Saarland resulted in a significant pro-German vote (90%), serving as a propaganda triumph for Nazi ideology.

• By violating military restrictions set by the Treaty of Versailles, Germany began openly rearming its forces.

Strategic Military Actions

• Hitler aimed to expand his army significantly beyond what was permitted by the Treaty; Western powers issued only mild rebukes without serious consequences.

• In March 1936, German troops entered the demilitarized Rhineland without facing opposition from Britain or France.

Formation of New Alliances

• In October 1936, Italy and Germany formed an alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis to solidify their mutual interests.

• Both nations also signed an anti-Comintern Pact against international communism; Japan later joined this agreement.

Engagement in Spanish Civil War

The Rise of Nazi Germany and the Prelude to World War II

German Military Actions in Spain and Austria

• The German Luftwaffe bombed targets in Spain, notably Guernica, which became iconic through Pablo Picasso's painting. Germany aimed to support a friendly Spanish government for trade and Mediterranean bases for U-boats.

• Hitler's first move towards creating a "Greater Germany" was the Anschluss of Austria, supported by Austrian Nazis advocating for this political union.

• Austrian Chancellor Kurt Von Schuschnigg called for a plebiscite regarding the Anschluss, while Hitler mobilized troops at the border to influence the vote.

• On March 12, 1938, Germany invaded Austria without facing military resistance from Austrians or other nations. A plebiscite later showed over 99% support for union with Germany.

Expansion into Czechoslovakia

• Following Austria's annexation, Hitler focused on the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia where over three million Germans lived. He claimed they were mistreated and should join Greater Germany.

• In Munich (1938), Britain and France agreed to let Hitler take Sudetenland while promising to protect Czechoslovakia’s sovereignty.

• The Munich Agreement included an Anglo-German Declaration where disputes would be resolved through consultation rather than military conflict; Neville Chamberlain famously proclaimed "peace in our time."

Violations of Agreements and Further Aggression

• By March 1939, Hitler violated the Munich Agreement by occupying Bohemia and Moravia (now part of Czech Republic), expanding beyond legitimate claims.

• Poland emerged as a new state post-Treaty of Versailles, with a Polish Corridor providing access to the Baltic Sea. Tensions rose when Germany demanded Danzig return to its control.

Alliances Forming Before War

• In response to potential invasion threats in March 1939, Britain and France guaranteed security for Poland.

• On May 22, 1939, Germany ended its non-aggression pact with Poland; soon after Italy joined forces with Germany through The Pact of Steel amid rising tensions.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

• Just before World War II began in August 1939, Germany signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with the Soviet Union ensuring mutual neutrality if war broke out in Europe.

• This secret agreement allowed both nations to divide Northern and Eastern Europe into spheres of influence—benefiting Germany by avoiding a two-front war like in WWI.

Prelude to War: Invasion of Poland

• On August 25th, Poland signed a full military alliance with Britain as Mussolini sought diplomatic solutions but was met with urgency from Hitler who was ready for action.

The Impact of Hitler's Foreign Policy Decisions on Germany's War Efforts

Consequences of Declaring War on the United States

• Adolf Hitler's declaration of war against the United States in December 1941 stretched German military resources thin, leading to significant challenges as they faced the largest nation and economic power in the world.

• By late 1942, the tide of World War II began to turn against Germany due to these strategic miscalculations.

Questioning Leadership Amidst Military Defeats

• Following defeats experienced by the German Army in 1943 and 1944, some military officers started questioning Adolf Hitler's leadership.

• Notably, certain officers participated in the July bomb plot of 1944, which aimed to assassinate Hitler and change the course of leadership.

Public Support Despite Failures

• Despite military setbacks, Adolf Hitler maintained strong support from the German populace through effective Nazi propaganda until the end of World War II in 1945.