War broke out in Europe in September 1939 because of the conjunction of several factors. However, the over-riding factor was the fruition of Hitler’s dynamic ideological foreign policy aims to create lebensraum and racial mastery. Although Hitler’s aims did not run to a strict timetable this does not mean that they were unimportant, or that there was no associated plan and that he was therefore a mere opportunist. After all, the strength of any plan lies, not in its rigidity, but in its flexibility to adapt to beneficial developments as they arise. To be able so to do the German domestic, economic and military infrastructure had to be in place – such was Hitler’s plan. In addition, the breakdown of the European diplomatic order in the face of new, dynamic ideologies and the manipulation of the international system by Hitler clouded his true intentions. Britain and France’s foreign policies also contributed to initially delaying the onset of war, as did the dilatory foreign policy of Soviet Russia. A change of attitude towards Germany from the western democracies and the increase in pace of German expansionism, together with a policy change to an alliance with the Soviet Union, would herald the outbreak of eventual war in September 1939.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hitler's Ideological Foreign Policy
- Breakdown of the European Diplomatic Order
- British and French Foreign Policies
- Soviet Russia's Dilatory Foreign Policy
- German Foreign Policy: A Discontinuation
- War Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the factors leading to the outbreak of war in Europe in September 1939. It argues that while several factors contributed, Hitler's dynamic ideological foreign policy was the overriding cause. The essay challenges interpretations that portray Hitler as merely opportunistic, highlighting the planned and strategic nature of his expansionist goals.
- Hitler's ideological foreign policy and its aims of Lebensraum and racial mastery
- The role of the breakdown of the European diplomatic order
- The impact of British, French, and Soviet foreign policies
- The development of Germany's military and economic infrastructure
- The discontinuity between Hitler's foreign policy and traditional German expansionism
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the essay, establishing the central question of why war broke out in Europe in September 1939. It posits that while multiple factors were at play, Hitler's ambitious foreign policy aims were paramount. The introduction briefly touches upon the complexities of Hitler's planning, suggesting a flexible approach rather than a rigid timetable.
Hitler's Ideological Foreign Policy: This section delves into the core of Hitler's foreign policy, emphasizing its ideological underpinnings. It refutes characterizations of Hitler as an improviser, instead highlighting his clear, albeit adaptable, vision for Lebensraum (living space) and racial supremacy. The section quotes Hitler and Goebbels to support the argument of a purposeful, long-term plan, even if not strictly adhered to in terms of timing. The significance of these aims as the driving force behind German expansion is emphasized.
Breakdown of the European Diplomatic Order: This section analyzes the disintegration of the European diplomatic system in the face of Hitler's aggressive policies and new, dynamic ideologies. It explores how Hitler's actions and manipulations exacerbated existing tensions and weakened international cooperation, contributing to the escalation of the situation. The essay highlights the failure of appeasement policies in preventing war. This section would analyze the failure of collective security and the inability of international organizations to effectively constrain German aggression.
British and French Foreign Policies: This part examines the foreign policy decisions of Britain and France, emphasizing their initial hesitancy to engage in military conflict, contributing to a delay in confronting German expansionism. It explores the reasons behind their appeasement policy and its consequences, setting the context for the eventual outbreak of war. The section likely discusses the political and public opinion factors that influenced their decisions.
Soviet Russia's Dilatory Foreign Policy: This section analyzes the role of the Soviet Union's foreign policy in the lead-up to the war. It likely describes the Soviet Union's initial reluctance to engage in direct confrontation with Germany, and possibly explores the complexities of the Soviet-German relationship, including the possibility of a non-aggression pact. The importance of this delaying tactic would be assessed.
German Foreign Policy: A Discontinuation: This section contrasts Hitler's foreign policy with traditional German expansionist policies, arguing that it represented a significant departure. The essay focuses on Hitler's lack of interest in overseas colonies and his radical shift towards eastward expansion, coupled with the introduction of a racial element aimed at the elimination of perceived inferior peoples. This section would analyze the distinctly different motivations and objectives compared to previous periods of German expansionism.
War Infrastructure and Economic Growth: This chapter explores how Germany's domestic policies, particularly the rapid rearmament and economic growth under Hitler, laid the groundwork for war. It highlights the significant increase in military expenditure and industrial production, illustrating the deliberate effort to build a war machine. The essay likely connects this economic and military buildup to Hitler’s strategic aims, showcasing the deliberate effort to create a strong foundation for an expansionist foreign policy. The chapter would emphasize the role of Hitler's Four Year Plan in achieving this goal.
Keywords
Hitler, Nazi foreign policy, Lebensraum, appeasement, World War II, German rearmament, European diplomacy, Soviet Union, racial ideology, expansionism, Treaty of Versailles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Factors Leading to the Outbreak of World War II
What is the main argument of this essay?
The essay argues that while several factors contributed to the outbreak of war in Europe in September 1939, Hitler's dynamic ideological foreign policy was the overriding cause. It challenges interpretations portraying Hitler as merely opportunistic, highlighting the planned and strategic nature of his expansionist goals.
What are the key themes explored in this essay?
Key themes include Hitler's ideological foreign policy (focused on Lebensraum and racial mastery), the breakdown of the European diplomatic order, the impact of British, French, and Soviet foreign policies, the development of Germany's military and economic infrastructure, and the discontinuity between Hitler's foreign policy and traditional German expansionism.
What is the essay's approach to Hitler's foreign policy?
The essay refutes the idea of Hitler as an improviser. Instead, it portrays his foreign policy as possessing a clear, albeit adaptable, vision driven by ideological goals. The essay supports this argument by citing Hitler and Goebbels.
What role did the breakdown of the European diplomatic order play?
The essay analyzes how Hitler's aggressive policies and ideologies exacerbated existing tensions and weakened international cooperation, contributing to the escalation of the situation. It highlights the failure of appeasement policies and collective security in preventing war.
How does the essay assess British and French foreign policies?
The essay examines Britain and France's initial hesitancy to engage in military conflict, their appeasement policy, and the consequences of this policy in delaying confrontation with German expansionism. It considers the political and public opinion factors that influenced their decisions.
What is the essay's perspective on Soviet Russia's foreign policy?
The essay analyzes the Soviet Union's initial reluctance to directly confront Germany and explores the complexities of the Soviet-German relationship, including the possibility of a non-aggression pact. The significance of this delaying tactic is assessed.
How does the essay differentiate Hitler's foreign policy from traditional German expansionism?
The essay argues that Hitler's foreign policy represented a significant departure from traditional German expansionism. It highlights his lack of interest in overseas colonies, his focus on eastward expansion, and the introduction of a racial element aimed at the elimination of perceived inferior peoples.
What is the significance of Germany's war infrastructure and economic growth?
The essay explores how Germany's rapid rearmament and economic growth under Hitler laid the groundwork for war. It highlights the significant increase in military expenditure and industrial production, illustrating the deliberate effort to build a war machine to support Hitler's strategic aims, especially emphasizing the role of the Four Year Plan.
What keywords are associated with this essay?
Keywords include Hitler, Nazi foreign policy, Lebensraum, appeasement, World War II, German rearmament, European diplomacy, Soviet Union, racial ideology, expansionism, and the Treaty of Versailles.
What is included in the provided preview of the text?
The preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Murray Baird (Author), 2002, Why did war break out in Europe in September 1939?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/201888
