introduction to interpretations

Question 1

how could an interpretation hold an intentionalist view?

Answer 1

Hitler drove for a war of expansion

he had a masterplan from the start outlined by Mein Kampf

Hitler had a detailed plan on either:
- conquest in Eastern Europe
- conquest in Europe then the Middle East, British colonies and then the rest of the world

Question 2

how could an interpretation hold a structuralist view?

Answer 2

outside influences were significant in shaping Nazi foreign policy

German rulers had always followed a plan of expansionism

the actions of other nations and events in the world had a significant impact on the world going to war

internal influences such as from the party, key support groups and the world economy were reasons for war

Question 3

what were the causes of WW2?

Answer 3

economic
social
the TofV
international
nazi foreign policy
the foreign policy of other nations

Question 4

economic

Answer 4

the world depression of the early 1930s led to the rise of dictators

Question 5

social

Answer 5

there was an expectation for expansion from industrialists, Nazis and ordinary Germans

Question 6

the TofV

Answer 6

created a feeling of German resentment
set up smaller states which were more tolerant to German expansionism

Question 7

international

Answer 7

Russia becoming communist created a democracy vs communism divide

the USA’s policy of no involvement made it easier to expand without consequence

the rise of dictatorships in Germany, Japan and Italy created a sense of militarism

Question 8

nazi foreign policy

Answer 8

fuelled by the need for worldwide racial purity
the need for expansion to establish lebensraum

Question 9

foreign policy of other nations

Answer 9

British maintained a policy of appeasement

US policy of no involvement

Russian, Italian and Japanese foreign policy tied in with Germany’s