how did the miltary in germany had a cause in ww2
The military in Germany played a significant role in causing World War II through a combination of factors, including political, economic, and strategic motivations. Here are some key contributing factors:
1. Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, imposed heavy reparations, territorial losses, disarmament, and imposed the war guilt on Germany. This created a sense of injustice and longing for revenge among the German military and society, laying the foundation for future militarization.
2. Rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Party: Adolf Hitler, along with the Nazi Party, gained power in Germany in the 1930s. Hitler's aggressive nationalist ideology, outlined in Mein Kampf, aimed to expand German territories, eliminate perceived threats, and create a new order based on Aryan supremacy. The military, under the leadership of Nazi ideology, became a powerful vehicle for implementing Hitler's plans.
3. Re-armament and Expansion: Once in power, Hitler embarked on an extensive re-armament program, overturning the disarmament clauses of the Versailles Treaty. This allowed the German military to rapidly expand, modernize, and develop new weaponry, building a formidable force by the late 1930s.
4. Annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia: Germany's military played a crucial role in Hitler's aggressive foreign policy. In 1938, they successfully occupied Austria and forced its annexation into Germany (Anschluss). Then, in 1939, they played a critical role in the invasion and subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia, fueling Hitler's expansionist ambitions.
5. Invasion of Poland: The German military's main cause in World War II was the invasion of Poland in September 1939. This act ignited the war, as it led Britain and France to honor their commitments to defend Poland, resulting in a declaration of war on Germany. The German military gained a significant advantage due to modern tactics like blitzkrieg (lightning war), overwhelming Polish forces and quickly occupying the country.
6. Pursuit of Lebensraum: A central goal of Hitler's military strategy was to secure more living space (Lebensraum) for the German people. This led to the invasion of countries like Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and ultimately the Soviet Union. The German military sought to conquer these regions to seize resources, expand German settlements, and establish dominance in Europe.
In summary, the German military, under the influence of Hitler and the Nazi Party, pursued aggressive expansionist ambitions, seeking to overturn the constraints of the Treaty of Versailles and ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War II.