Hitler's aggression

Definition

Hitler's aggression refers to the expansionist policies and militaristic actions taken by Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany during the 1930s leading up to World War II. This aggressive stance was characterized by the annexation of territories, militarization, and acts of war that aimed to establish German dominance in Europe, ultimately setting the stage for a global conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hitler began his aggressive expansion by reoccupying the Rhineland in 1936, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
2. The annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss, occurred in March 1938 without resistance from other nations.
3. The Sudetenland was taken after the Munich Agreement in September 1938, showcasing the failures of appeasement strategies employed by Britain and France.
4. Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the official start of World War II and was executed using Blitzkrieg tactics.
5. Hitler's aggression not only targeted neighboring countries but also led to widespread human rights violations, including the persecution of Jews and other minorities.

Review Questions

• How did Hitler's aggressive foreign policies contribute to the outbreak of World War II?
  • Hitler's aggressive foreign policies directly contributed to the outbreak of World War II through a series of calculated invasions and territorial expansions that violated treaties and international agreements. His reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936, followed by the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, demonstrated a blatant disregard for European stability. The ultimate act of aggression was the invasion of Poland in 1939, which provoked Britain and France to declare war on Germany, effectively igniting the global conflict.
• Analyze the responses of European powers to Hitler's aggression during the lead-up to World War II and discuss why these responses were ultimately ineffective.
  • European powers initially responded to Hitler's aggression with a policy of appeasement, believing that satisfying his demands would prevent a larger conflict. The Munich Agreement allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland with little resistance, reflecting a reluctance to confront Hitler directly. This approach proved ineffective as it emboldened Hitler, leading him to pursue further territorial ambitions. The failure to recognize the seriousness of his intentions allowed for unchecked aggression that culminated in the outbreak of World War II.
• Evaluate how Hitler's concept of Lebensraum influenced his military strategies and expansionist policies throughout Europe.
  • Hitler's concept of Lebensraum was central to his military strategies and expansionist policies, driving his belief that Germany required additional territory for its growing population and economic needs. This ideology justified aggressive actions toward Eastern Europe, where he envisioned relocating Germans into conquered lands. As a result, Lebensraum fueled early invasions and provided a rationale for brutal military campaigns against countries like Poland and the Soviet Union. This not only reflected a strategic goal but also revealed a deeply ingrained ideology that led to widespread atrocities during the war.

Related terms

Lebensraum: The Nazi policy aimed at acquiring 'living space' for the German people, justifying territorial expansion into Eastern Europe.

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in 1938 allowing Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, representing a failed act of appeasement by European powers.

Blitzkrieg: A military strategy used by Nazi Germany characterized by swift, surprise attacks combining air and ground forces to quickly overwhelm opponents.