Question

Discuss the objectives of the foreign policy of Germany between 1933 and 1938.

Answer 1

1. Hitler’s aggressive nationalist and expansionist aims impacted Germany’s foreign policy from 1933 to 1938. 
2. He sought to overthrow the Treaty of Versailles and make Germany the strongest nation.
3. Hitler and other Germans considered the Treaty of Versailles as an affront to their country; therefore, breaking it up was a priority. He intended to rearm Germany, strengthen its military, and eliminate gun and forced work restrictions.
4. To conquer an additional area and unite all German speakers in one Reich was another priority. This included intentions to reclaim territories Germany lost in World War I and join the Saar, Rhineland, Austria (Anschluss), and Sudetenland.
5. Hitler also favoured Lebensraum, or living space. Germany moved into Poland and the Soviet Union for more land and resources for its rising population.
6. He originally used talks and media to present a calm image to achieve his goals. But as Germany’s military strengthened, Hitler became bolder. 
7. In 1936, he remilitarised the Rhineland, took over Austria in 1938, and demanded Sudetenland, which resulted in the Munich Agreement.
8. Hitler also sought to eliminate communism and weaken the USSR. He made tactical agreements like the 1934 Poland Non-Aggression Pact to avert a two-front conflict.
9. Germany’s foreign policy from 1933 to 1938 focused on national pride, territory acquisition, and European dominance. This enabled World War II.