Read the article by Adam Tooze, "Formal end of second world War history Today, volume56, issued 11,2006
Identify historians and gheir explanations on why Hitla started the second world War
Unfortunately, I cannot access the specific article by Adam Tooze titled "Formal End of the Second World War." However, I can provide you with a general overview of the explanations offered by historians regarding why Hitler started the Second World War.
1. Adolf Hitler's Ideology: One explanation points to Hitler's aggressive expansionist ideology as the driving force behind the war. Hitler and the Nazi regime believed in the concept of Lebensraum, or living space, which justified territorial conquest to sustain the German race and secure resources for economic growth.
2. Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed after World War I, imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses and substantial reparations. Many historians argue that Hitler's dissatisfaction with these terms contributed to his desire for revenge and a more powerful Germany.
3. Economic Motives: Some historians argue that economic factors played a key role in Hitler's decision to start the war. Germany faced economic challenges during the Great Depression, and Hitler saw war as an opportunity to stimulate the German economy, control resources, and establish economic dominance in Europe.
4. Political Opportunism: Hitler exploited domestic and international political contexts to consolidate power and pursue his expansionist ambitions. The weaknesses in international diplomacy, appeasement policies by Western democracies, and Hitler's alliances with other dictatorships such as Italy and Japan allowed him to embark on aggressive actions.
5. Racial and Social Factors: Hitler's anti-Semitic and racial theories played a significant role in his decision to start the war. He believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and sought to eliminate perceived threats such as Jews, Slavs, and other minority groups, both within Germany and in conquered territories.
It is essential to review the specific article by Adam Tooze for a more nuanced understanding of the historians he refers to and their specific explanations on why Hitler started the Second World War.
I apologize, but as an AI text-based model, I don't have the capability to access or browse specific articles, such as the one you mentioned by Adam Tooze. However, I can provide you with some general information on historians' explanations for why Hitler started the Second World War.
Numerous historians have studied and offered various explanations for Hitler's role in initiating the Second World War. Here are a few key perspectives:
1. Adolf Hitler's aggressive expansionist ambitions: Many historians argue that Hitler had long-standing territorial and ideological ambitions, seeking to expand Germany's borders and create a racially pure empire. They cite factors such as Hitler's belief in German superiority (Aryan race), his desire to unite all German-speaking peoples, and his goal to gain "living space" or "Lebensraum" in Eastern Europe.
2. Treaty of Versailles and German grievances: The treaty signed after the First World War imposed harsh terms on Germany, leading to economic hardship and territorial losses. Some historians argue that Hitler exploited these grievances, manipulating popular sentiment to gain power and exploit national pride. Critics of the treaty argue that it created the conditions for Hitler's rise and subsequent aggression.
3. Failure of international appeasement: Another explanation centers around the failure of international diplomacy and the policy of appeasement pursued by various forces before the war. Historians argue that the reluctance of Britain and France to confront Hitler's aggressive moves enabled him to expand unchallenged, emboldening his ambitions and ultimately leading to war.
4. Ideology and racial theories: Hitler's ideology, propagated through Nazism, played a significant role. His belief in racial superiority, anti-Semitism, and the desire to establish a totalitarian regime influenced his decision-making process. This ideology provided a justification for aggression and brutal actions.
5. Strategic miscalculations and long-term goals: Some historians argue that Hitler's aggressive actions were a result of his strategic miscalculations. They contend that he did not expect the swift response from other major powers, leading to a wider conflict. Others claim that Hitler had long-term goals, with the war being a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
It's important to note that these perspectives reflect the overall consensus among historians, but each historian may have a slightly different interpretation. I would encourage you to consult various sources and historians for a comprehensive understanding of this complex topic.