Lebensraum

In ‘Mein Kampf’, Hitler argued that the German people needed ‘living space’ (lebensraum).

They would gain this space by taking control of land to the east of Germany, as well

as looking elsewhere too.

Treaty of Versailles anger

German anger still remained at the Treaty of Versailles, including the removal of

land from Germany.

Many Germans believed their country had ben

embarrassed and needed to regain its power.

Rhineland and military changes

Hitler announced that Germany was stop paying

reparations.

He then invaded the Rhineland which had been taken from Germany after

WW1. Finally he announced plans to increase

the size of Germany’s military.

Anschluss with Austria

Hitler was born in Austria and believed in a greater

Germany (uniting all Germanic people).

The Nazis ‘invaded’ Austria in 1938 before 99.75% of Austrians voted to unite

Austria and Germany (Anschluss).

Czechoslovakia

Hitler then invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938.

He first took control of the German-speaking

Sudetenland, before controlling all the country

by March 1939.

Poland

Hitler now believed he was unstoppable and that no

country would oppose him.

He reached a deal with the USSR and then invaded

Poland in September 1939. Britain and France then

declared war.

Arguments for influence

Hitler’s foreign activities were hugely popular in

Germany. The UK or France did not stop him.

Many Germans believed he was giving their country its power and dignity back, as well as uniting the German

peoples.

Arguments against influence

Many Germans worried that war was coming.

Ultimately Hitler overplayed his hand; the invasion of Poland and

attack on the USSR ultimately ended his reign

of power.