Overview
This lecture explores the reasons behind Hitler’s decision to start World War II, focusing on ideological motives and the economic crisis facing Nazi Germany in 1939.
Nazi Germany’s Invasion of Poland and British Response
- Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, prompting Britain to demand German withdrawal.
- Germany refused, leading Britain to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939.
- Hitler was reportedly shocked by Britain's declaration due to previous appeasement.
Debates and Misconceptions Surrounding Hitler’s Motives
- There is ongoing debate about why Hitler started the war, with many dismissing traditional and alternative narratives.
- Dismissing Hitler’s own ideological writings (e.g., Mein Kampf) removes key insight into his motivations.
- Economic aspects are often overlooked but are crucial to understanding Hitler's actions.
Ideological Motivations
- Hitler believed in a global Jewish conspiracy causing societal decay and saw communism as part of this threat.
- He aimed to seize land and resources in the East to implement socialism for Germans and defeat what he saw as “Jewish Marxism.”
- Hitler’s ideology is unfounded, but it fueled his decisions.
Economic Crisis in Nazi Germany
- Nazi Germany’s economy relied on heavy borrowing, deficit spending, and plundering assets from conquered territories and Jews.
- By 1939, state debt and interest payments were unsustainable, and the regime faced imminent financial collapse.
- War and conquest were seen as solutions to access new resources, gold, and wealth to support the regime and delay economic crisis.
- The regime exported inflation to conquered territories to stabilize the domestic economy.
Why Hitler Gambled on Invading Poland
- Previous British appeasement led Hitler to believe Britain would not intervene over Poland.
- The shift in British policy after the Munich Agreement and events like Kristallnacht made further appeasement unlikely, but Hitler misread the situation.
- Hitler signed the Nazi-Soviet Pact, hoping to offset Western opposition.
Summary of Reasons for War
- Hitler invaded Poland to delay Nazi Germany’s economic collapse and fulfill his ideological goals.
- He underestimated Britain’s resolve to fight and overestimated further appeasement.
- Territorial expansion was necessary for his regime's survival; issues like Danzig or mistreatment of Germans in Poland were excuses.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Appeasement — Policy of making concessions to avoid conflict, practiced by Britain toward Germany before WWII.
- Kristallnacht — "Night of Broken Glass"; pogrom against Jews in Nazi Germany, November 1938.
- Mein Kampf — Hitler’s autobiographical manifesto outlining his ideology and plans.
- Deficit Spending — Government spending more than it earns, often financed by borrowing.
- Exported Inflation — Shifting the effects of currency inflation to other countries through conquest and economic exploitation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Hitler’s ideological writings (e.g., Mein Kampf, Second Book) for insight into his motives.
- Read "Hitler’s Beneficiaries" by Götz Aly for analysis of the economic reasons behind WWII.
- Prepare for debate/discussion on the economic and ideological causes of WWII.