406. The Nazis in Power: Hitler’s Road to War (Part 3)
Jan 8, 2024
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The discussion delves into Hitler's early ideological motivations and his obsession with rearmament, tracing back to his views expressed in Mein Kampf. The speakers dissect Germany's economic struggles and Hitler's calculated political maneuvers that defied the Treaty of Versailles. They highlight the fervent public support that bolstered his ambitions, alongside a detailed look at early alliances with Italy. The podcast explores the impact of the Rhineland remilitarization, revealing how these strategic decisions escalated tensions in Europe and paved the way for future conflicts.
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Quick takeaways
Hitler sees war as the essence of his project and an ideology, believing in the perpetual struggle of different races.
Hitler's economic plan depends on war for its success, as Germany lacks the resources to support rearmament without aggressive expansion.
Hitler strategically exploits the weaknesses and divisions of the Allies to advance his aggressive foreign policy agenda.
Deep dives
Hitler's Philosophy of Struggle and War
Hitler's ideology is centered around the belief that mankind is born for competition and conflict. He sees war as the essence of his project and an ideology in itself, not just a means to gain prestige or strategic advantages. Hitler's ambition is to bring triumph in war to Germany and secure the dominance of the German people. He believes in the perpetual struggle of different races, especially the Aryan race. For Hitler, conquering or being conquered is an existential struggle, and war is the vehicle he uses to fulfill his ideological vision.
Hitler's Plan for Rearmament
Hitler strategically plans for Germany's rearmament, envisioning a powerful army to regain Germany's lost virility and self-respect. His economic agenda is focused on rearmament, and he believes that expanding military capabilities will reinvigorate the domestic economy. Hitler speculates to accumulate, borrowing money to invest in tanks and weapons, with the intention of acquiring raw materials and wealth through conquering neighboring countries. His economic plan depends on war for its success, as Germany lacks the resources to support rearmament without aggressive expansion.
Hitler's Calculated Diplomacy and Weakness of Allies
Hitler capitalizes on the weaknesses and divisions of the Allies to advance his foreign policy agenda. He exploits the guilt and humanitarian impulses of the British and French, portraying himself as a victim and justifying Germany's grievances. Hitler's calculated foreign policy coups, such as withdrawing from disarmament talks, signing a non-aggression treaty with Poland, and manipulating alliances, buy him time and fuel popular support. The Allies' lack of strong opposition and their focus on other priorities enable Hitler to pursue his aggressive agenda and set the stage for further territorial expansion.
Hitler's successful strategy of building up the army
Hitler strategically focuses on building up the German army, starting with a referendum campaign in the Zolland to gain support from Catholic voters. Despite limitations set by the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler announces the expansion of the army to 36 divisions, more than what the generals had even wanted. This move boosts Hitler's popularity and showcases his ability to defy international agreements. The French, British, and Italian reactions vary, with the French expressing disappointment and the British making a naval deal with Germany, undermining the Straßer Front.
Hitler's occupation of the Rhineland and its impact
Hitler's occupation of the demilitarized Rhineland region causes an uproar in Europe. Although the French could have halted the occupation, they choose not to, which bolsters Hitler's confidence and popularity. This occupation alters the strategic balance, making the French shift to a defensive stance. Hitler seizes this opportunity to solidify his image as the Messiah and justifies his actions as a response to German humiliation. The occupation also propels Hitler onto a course of further aggression, as he believes in the favor of destiny and prepares for an all-out existential struggle.
“No one can doubt that this world will one day be the scene of dreadful struggles for existence on the part of mankind. In the end, the instinct of self-preservation alone will triumph.”
Hitler has been planning for war since 1928. However, the Treaty of Versailles has placed immense limitations on his ability to rearm Germany, and he must first overcome internal enemies, whether the SA or the communists. He will then need to build-up the Nazi war machine, to allow him to expand the Third Reich and gain his much-desired lebensraum, “living space”. But with Germany facing economic decline, will Hitler’s push for rearmament provide a solution to the economy’s manifold problems? Or will the Führer simply use foreign policy coups as a smokescreen, to hide the dire straits facing the German people? Hitler can be certain of one thing - Britain and France do not want another war…
Join Tom and Dominic in the third part of our series on the Nazis in Power, as they look at how Hitler, both materially and ideologically, prepared the country for war, and, as a brilliant opportunist, preyed on the Allies’ weaknesses in order to complete his rearmament of Germany.
