Q.12. Discuss the role of Hitler in bringing about the Second World War.

Adolf Hitler, the infamous Nazi leader, played a central role in triggering the Second World War. Let’s delve into the key aspects of his involvement:

1. Aggressive Foreign Policy:
   • Hitler’s aggressive foreign policy is widely regarded as the primary cause of World War II in Europe.
   • His key goal was to secure Lebensraum(living space) for the German people in Eastern Europe.
   • On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland, which directly led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany.
2. Blitzkrieg Tactics and European Occupation:
   • Following the invasion of Poland, Nazi forces employed “blitzkrieg” military tactics to swiftly occupy significant parts of Europe.
   • By 1941, Germany had occupied much of the continent, leading to widespread conflict and upheaval.
3. Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust:
   • Hitler’s virulent anti-Semitism fueled the systematic murder of approximately 6 million Jews during the Holocaust.
   • Millions of other victims, including Romani people, disabled individuals, and political dissidents, also suffered under the Nazi regime.
4. Hitler’s Personal Role:
   • Hitler assumed control of Germany’s war strategy from the outset.
   • When the campaign against Poland failed to yield the desired peace accord with Britain, he ordered preparations for an immediate offensive in the west.
   • His intervention led to significant changes in planning, including the occupation of Norway and Denmark in April 1940 to forestall a potential British presence.

In summary, Adolf Hitler’s aggressive policies, territorial ambitions, and ideological extremism significantly contributed to the outbreak and escalation of the devastating Second World War.