Hitler's ideas and his role in the shaping of Nazi foreign policy Flashcards
LO: his foreign policy aims, his role as decision-maker and the driving force in Nazi foreign policy
what was one of Hitler’s key policy aims related to the Treaty of Versailles?
overturn the Treaty of Versailles by rearming Germany, regaining lost land, reoccupying the Rhineland, and leaving reparations unpaid
what was Hitler’s goal regarding Germany’s status as a world power?
Hitler wanted to make Germany a dominant European and world power through expansion, alliances (where possible) and war (if necessary)
what did Hitler aim to do regarding German-speaking people in Europe?
Hitler aimed to unite German-speaking people in a Greater Germany (Grossdeutschland) through national self-determination
what is the concept of Lebensraum in Hitler’s foreign policy?
Lebensraum refers to securing ‘living space’ for Germany, primarily in Eastern Europe, to meet economic needs and support the growth of the German population
what was Hitler’s stance towards Jews and Bolshevism (communism)?
Hitler sought to defeat international Jewry and Bolshevism, believing there was a global conspiracy that needed to be stopped
what does Mein Kampf reveal about Hitler’s foreign policy intentions?
Mein Kampf suggests Hitler sought to expand in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, and rejected the TofV, advocating for war
how did Hitler’s speeches reflect his foreign policy goals?
in his speeches, Hitler called for the setting aside of the TofV, unification of all Germans, and the acquisition of land and resources for Germany
what is the significance of the Hossbach memorandum of 1937?
it outlined Hitler’s desire for aggressive expansion, inc the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia, and market a shift in his view of Britain as an enemy
how did Ian Kershaw view Hitler’s role in foreign policy decision-making?
he argued Hitler was highly involved in foreign policy, making direct decisions often against advice, unlike in domestic policy where he was more hands-off
who were the key individuals influencing Hitler’s foreign policy?
key individuals included Konstantine von Neurath, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hermann Goering, and influential groups such as the German army and big business
how did Hermann Goering influence the Anschluss with Austria?
he pushed for aggressive action, making 27 calls to negotiate the Anschluss and ordering the army to march into Austria
what role did von Ribbentrop play in Hitler’s foreign policy?
he was a key foreign policy advisor, negotiating the German-British Naval Agreement and the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact
what was the Blomberg-Fritsch affair and its impact on Hitler’s control?
the affair led to the removal of the army leadership, Blomberg and Fritsch, consolidating Hitler’s control over the military
what do historians argue about whether Hitler had a master plan?
some historians like Klaus Hildebrand, argue that Hitler had a master plan for territorial expansion, while others like Tim Mason, suggest his policy was more opportunistic
what is the criticism of the idea that Hitler had a master plan?
critics argue Hitler was flexible in his methods, reacting to circumstances and opportunities rather than following a predetermined plan
how did Hitler’s view of war evolve leading up to 1939?
Hitler saw war as inevitable but expected it to begin later (1943-5)
He planned a limited war in 1939, initially focusing on Poland
what was Hitler’s long-term view of war, esp after 1943?
Hitler planned to exploit Eastern Europe for Lebensraum and eventually take on the USA and Britain for world domination after securing strength from the USSR
did Hitler intend to start a general war in 1939?
no, Hitler planned only a limited war against Poland in 1939
