German aggression

Definition

German aggression refers to the militaristic and expansionist policies pursued by Germany, particularly under Adolf Hitler, leading up to and during World War II. This aggressive stance was characterized by the violation of treaties, annexation of territories, and an overarching goal of establishing German dominance in Europe, contributing significantly to the outbreak of the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936 marked one of the first significant acts of German aggression, defying the Treaty of Versailles.
2. Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938 (Anschluss) was a key step in Hitler's expansionist agenda and demonstrated the weakness of European powers to confront his ambitions.
3. The Munich Agreement in 1938 allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia in a failed attempt to appease Hitler and avoid conflict.
4. The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the official start of World War II, showcasing Germany's aggressive military tactics and leading to Britain and France declaring war.
5. The strategy of Blitzkrieg exemplified German aggression through swift and overwhelming force, leading to quick victories in Poland, France, and other nations early in the war.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the rise of German aggression leading up to World War II?
  • The Treaty of Versailles imposed severe reparations and territorial losses on Germany after World War I, leading to widespread resentment among Germans. This dissatisfaction created fertile ground for extremist ideologies to flourish, particularly those promoted by the Nazi Party. Hitler capitalized on this discontent, promising to restore Germany's former glory and overturn the humiliating terms of the treaty. As a result, many Germans supported aggressive policies aimed at re-establishing their nation's power.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of appeasement strategies employed by European powers in response to German aggression before World War II.
  • The policy of appeasement, particularly evident in agreements like the Munich Agreement, aimed to prevent conflict by allowing Germany to annex certain territories. However, this strategy ultimately failed as it emboldened Hitler's regime, encouraging further acts of aggression such as the invasion of Poland. The inability or unwillingness of European leaders to confront German expansion early on allowed for a more aggressive stance by Germany, which directly contributed to the outbreak of World War II.
• Assess the long-term implications of German aggression on European stability during and after World War II.
  • German aggression had profound long-term implications for European stability. The aggressive actions led directly to World War II, which resulted in immense destruction and loss of life across the continent. After the war, Europe faced a significant geopolitical shift with the division between East and West during the Cold War. The consequences also included widespread decolonization movements as empires weakened and nations sought independence. The aftermath reshaped national boundaries and created new political realities that would influence international relations for decades.

Related terms

Treaty of Versailles: The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which fueled resentment and a desire for revision among Germans.

Nazi Party: The National Socialist German Workers' Party led by Adolf Hitler, which promoted extreme nationalism, militarism, and anti-Semitism, driving German aggression during the 1930s and 1940s.

Blitzkrieg: A military strategy used by Germany during World War II characterized by rapid, coordinated attacks combining air power and ground forces to achieve quick victories.