Read the article by Adam Tooze, "Formal end of second world War history Today, volume56, issued 11,2006

Question

Identify historians and gheir explanations on why Hitla started the second world War

Answer 1

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.