Germany’s Primary Objective in World War II: A Comprehensive Analysis

Understanding Germany's primary objective during World War II is crucial for comprehending the historical context and actions of the Nazi regime. This article delves into the evolving strategic goals of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party, focusing on key periods and operations. By examining these objectives, we can gain deeper insights into the motivations behind the extensive military campaigns and atrocities committed during the war.

The Strategic Goals of Nazi Germany

It is essential to recognize that as time progressed, Germany's initial objectives evolved. Initially, Hitler sought to achieve a quick and decisive victory, primarily through territorial expansion and military dominance. However, as the war continued, the goals became more expansive and deeply rooted in ideology. The primary aims included:

Eradication of Jewry: One of the most infamous objectives of Nazi Germany was the extermination of the Jewish population. According to historical records, Hitler and his regime believed that Jewish people were responsible for various socio-political issues and aimed to eliminate them to secure their vision of a pure and racially superior Aryan society. Destroy the Bolshevik Leadership: Another key objective was to dismantle the Soviet Union's leadership and establish German control over Eastern Europe. The Bolsheviks, particularly led by Jews, were seen as the primary threat to this vision. The conquest of the oil fields in the Soviet Union was aimed at securing essential resources for the German economy and military. Occupation of Arable Lands: Extensive territories, such as Eastern Europe, were targeted for agricultural purposes to feed the German populace and support the war effort. This also included securing oil fields, which were crucial for the military and economic activities of the Third Reich. One World Order: Hitler envisioned a global order dominated by the Aryan race, with Germany and Japan forming an alliance. This included the eventual division of the world among the two powers, with Japan potentially controlling the Pacific region, and Germany ruling over Europe and parts of Africa and Asia.

Evolution of Objectives Over Time

Hans von Schubert, a historian, clarifies that depending on the year, Germany's objectives shifted:

1939: In the early stages of the war, Hitler's primary goal was to conquer Poland and secure the western border to gain a buffer zone. The hope was to achieve a fait accompli and force the Allies to negotiate peace terms. 1940: Following the swift victory over France and Belgium, the objective shifted to defeating the Allied forces in the West. This was hoped to be achieved before the allies could regroup and offer terms of peace. 1941-1943: The focus turned to the Eastern front, aiming to decimate the British and Soviet forces or at least significantly weaken them so that concentrations of effort could be directed against the remaining opposition. 1944-1945: By this stage, the objective became securing a separate peace with the Allies or holding on until they could no longer sustain the war effort, which proved to be unrealistic given the military and economic capabilities of the Allies.

The Fall of Barbarossa and its Impact

Hitler's primary operational objective was to capture Moscow through 'Operation Barbarossa.' This operation was designed to cripple the Soviet Union and strip it of its leadership, which was perceived as being led by Jews and Bolsheviks. Capturing Moscow was meant to provide a decisive blow and establish a stronghold in Eastern Europe.

However, the bombing of Berlin by Allied forces disrupted the initial plans. The German Sixth Army, commanded by General Paulus, approached Moscow but was eventually encircled and forced to surrender at Stalingrad on the Volga. This critical military defeat not only marked a turning point for the Wehrmacht but also symbolized the beginning of the end for Hitler's dreams of a Thousand Year Reich. The relentless Soviet counteroffensive and the combination of Allied support and air power led to a series of crushing defeats for the German army.

The Stalingrad campaign and the subsequent defeats in the Eastern front greatly expanded the operational scope of the Allies and their allies. By the time the Red Army advanced west, the German war machine had been significantly weakened, both in terms of manpower and supplies.

Conclusion

Germany's primary objectives during World War II were numerous and deeply intertwined. From the racial policies aimed at eliminating the Jewish population to the ideological goal of forming a global Aryan empire, Hitler and his regime were driven by an extreme vision of dominance and control. The fall of Operation Barbarossa and the subsequent defeats hastened the demise of the Third Reich, highlighting the deep flaws in Hitler's grand strategy.

Understanding these goals not only sheds light on the actions of the Nazi regime but also provides valuable lessons for the importance of early strategic planning and the potential consequences of rigid and inflexible ideologies in governance.