Germany under Adolf Hitler during World War II for AP World History

Feb 4

2 min read

The way Germany mobilized for World War II under Adolf Hitler is an illustrative example of the Conducting World War II topic in Unit 7 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power in Germany during the 1930s marked a seismic shift in the nation’s trajectory, culminating in one of the darkest periods of human history. Hitler capitalized on widespread discontent stemming from the economic turmoil and political instability following World War I, effectively leveraging nationalist sentiment and scapegoating marginalized groups, particularly Jews, for Germany’s woes. Through a combination of charismatic oratory and propaganda, Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) rapidly gained popularity, culminating in his appointment as Chancellor in 1933.

Once in power, Hitler wasted no time in consolidating his authority and imposing his totalitarian vision upon Germany. He swiftly dismantled democratic institutions, marginalized political opponents, and established a brutal dictatorship characterized by pervasive surveillance, censorship, and the ruthless suppression of dissent. Hitler’s regime also embarked on a campaign of persecution against Jews, Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, and other minority groups, culminating in the systematic genocide of six million Jews during the Holocaust.

Economically, Hitler pursued policies aimed at revitalizing Germany’s faltering economy and achieving self-sufficiency. This included massive public works projects, rearmament, and the imposition of strict controls over industry and labor. While these measures initially brought about a semblance of economic stability and reduced unemployment, they also laid the groundwork for Germany’s aggressive expansionist ambitions.

Germany’s foreign policy under Hitler was characterized by a fervent pursuit of Lebensraum (living space) and the establishment of a Greater German Empire. Hitler’s aggressive territorial ambitions, coupled with his militaristic rhetoric and disdain for the Treaty of Versailles, precipitated the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Germany’s lightning-fast victories in Poland, France, and other European nations showcased the effectiveness of Blitzkrieg tactics and seemed to validate Hitler’s military strategy.

However, as the war dragged on, Germany’s fortunes began to wane. Despite initial successes, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 proved to be a costly strategic blunder, leading to a protracted and brutal conflict on the Eastern Front. Additionally, Allied bombing campaigns devastated German cities, and the entry of the United States into the war further tipped the scales against Germany.

Throughout the war, pockets of resistance persisted within Germany, with individuals such as Claus von Stauffenberg and groups like the White Rose engaging in acts of sabotage, espionage, and dissent against the Nazi regime. However, these efforts were largely isolated and faced overwhelming odds against the regime’s formidable security apparatus.

Ultimately, Germany’s defeat in World War II resulted in the collapse of Hitler’s regime and the occupation of the country by Allied forces. The Nuremberg Trials sought to hold perpetrators of war crimes and atrocities accountable, marking a pivotal moment in the reckoning with Germany’s dark past and the legacy of Hitler’s reign of terror.