Hitler's Foreign Policy 1933-38: Overturning Versailles or Broader Aims?

The assertion that Hitler’s foreign policy from 1933 to 1938 was solely driven by a desire to overturn the Treaty of Versailles holds considerable weight. Indeed, many of his actions during this period directly challenged the treaty's stipulations. However, to claim this as his sole motivation offers an incomplete picture, neglecting other key factors influencing his foreign policy decisions.

Challenging the Treaty of Versailles

Undeniably, numerous actions taken by Hitler directly contravened the Treaty of Versailles. The official announcement of German rearmament and the reinstitution of conscription in March 1935, along with the establishment of the Luftwaffe, constituted a blatant disregard for the military restrictions imposed by the treaty. The Anglo-German Naval Agreement, while presented as a bilateral agreement, further chipped away at these restrictions, allowing Germany to expand its fleet beyond the treaty's limitations.

The annexation of Austria (Anschluss) in March 1938 provided another stark example. Despite the treaty's explicit prohibition, Hitler's ambition to unite all German-speaking peoples under one Reich fueled his actions, culminating in the deployment of German forces into Austria under the pretense of restoring order. Furthermore, Hitler's withdrawal from the League of Nations in 1933 and his strategic maneuvering in the Saar plebiscite, leveraging intimidation and propaganda to secure a Nazi victory, demonstrated a clear rejection of the Treaty's principles and a desire to reassert German dominance.

The remilitarization of the Rhineland in March 1936 represented perhaps the most brazen challenge to the Treaty of Versailles. This highly industrialized region, deemed crucial for Germany's economic recovery, was supposed to remain demilitarized as a buffer zone between France and Germany. Hitler's decision to send troops into the Rhineland was a calculated gamble, testing the resolve of the Allied powers and revealing their unwillingness to enforce the treaty through military action.

Beyond Overturning Versailles

While Hitler undoubtedly sought to dismantle the Treaty of Versailles, portraying this as his sole foreign policy objective would be an oversimplification. His actions were also driven by a potent combination of ideological aspirations, strategic calculations, and opportunistic exploitation of international events.

The German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact of 1934, for instance, suggests a broader strategic vision. By securing his eastern borders and forming a temporary alliance with Poland, Hitler aimed to create a division within Europe and buy himself time to achieve his rearmament goals. Furthermore, he skillfully used the language of "defense" to justify his actions, capitalizing on the failure of international disarmament efforts and the general atmosphere of insecurity following the First World War. By framing his rearmament program as a response to perceived threats, he aimed to garner domestic support and deflect international criticism.

Hitler's involvement in the Spanish Civil War, beginning in 1936, underscored the ideological component of his foreign policy. His support for Franco's nationalist forces stemmed from a deep-seated anti-communist conviction and a desire to expand German influence in Europe. This intervention also provided a valuable testing ground for German military equipment and tactics, which would prove critical in later conflicts.

The policy of appeasement adopted by Britain and France towards Germany further emboldened Hitler. Their failure to take decisive action against his early violations of the Treaty of Versailles, such as the remilitarization of the Rhineland, created an impression of weakness and encouraged him to pursue even more ambitious goals. The annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938, justified by the flimsy pretext of protecting the German minority there, demonstrated the extent to which appeasement had emboldened Hitler, fueling his belief that he could redraw the map of Europe without significant resistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while overturning the Treaty of Versailles undoubtedly formed a central pillar of Hitler's foreign policy from 1933 to 1938, it was by no means his sole objective. His actions were also shaped by a potent mix of ideologies, strategic considerations, and opportunistic responses to international developments. By skillfully exploiting the weaknesses of other European powers and concealing his ultimate ambitions, Hitler was able to achieve significant territorial gains and expand German power. However, his ultimate goal extended far beyond simply revising the Treaty of Versailles; it encompassed a much grander vision of a German-dominated Europe, achieved through a combination of diplomatic maneuvering, military strength, and ruthless expansionism.