Primary and Secondary Sources of Hitler's Expansionist Policy

Evidences on Hitler's Expansionist Policy
Done by Min and Ohmmie

1.
[W]ithout consideration of "traditions" and prejudices, it [Germany] must find the courage to gather our people and their strength for an advance along the road that will lead this people from its present restricted living space to new land and soil, and hence also free it from the danger of vanishing from the earth or of serving others as a slave nation.
…
For it is not in colonial acquisitions that we must see the solution of this problem, but exclusively in the acquisition of a territory for settlement, which will enhance the area of the mother country, and hence not only keep the new settlers in the most intimate community with the land of their origin, but secure for the total area those advantages which lie in its unified magnitude.--- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

2.

A flyer publically distributed in Germany, showing how much bigger Germany will be.



3.

On April 27th, 1937, unprecedented atrocities are perpetrated on behalf of Franco against the civilian population of a little Basque village in northern Spain. Chosen for bombing practice by Hitler's burgeoning war machine, the hamlet is pounded with high-explosive and incendiary bombs for over three hours. Townspeople are cut down as they run from the crumbling buildings. Guernica burns for three days. Sixteen hundred civilians are killed or wounded.
…
From the beginning, Picasso chooses not to represent the horror of Guernica in realist or romantic terms. Key figures - a woman with outstretched arms, a bull, an agonized horse - are refined in sketch after sketch, then transferred to the capacious canvas, which he also reworks several times. "A painting is not thought out and settled in advance," said Picasso. "While it is being done, it changes as one's thoughts change. And when it's finished, it goes on changing, according to the state of mind of whoever is looking at it.

4.
“The entire struggle for survival is a conquest of the means of existence, which in turn results in the elimination of others from these same sources of subsistence. As long as there are peoples on this earth, there will be nations against nations and they will be forced to protect their vital rights in the same way as the individual is forced to protect his rights.

One is either the hammer or the anvil. We confess that it is our purpose to prepare the German people again for the role of the hammer. For ten years we have preached, and our deepest concern is: How can we achieve power? We admit freely and openly that if our movement is victorious, we will be concerned day and night with the question of how to produce the armed forces which are forbidden to us by the peace treaty [Treaty of Versailles]. We solemnly confess that we consider everyone a scoundrel who does not try day and night to figure out a way to violate this treaty, for we have never recognized this treaty….

We will take every step which strengthens our arms, which augments the number of our forces, and which increases the strength of our people.

We confess further that we will dash anyone to pieces who should dare to hinder us in this undertaking…. Our rights will never be represented by others. Our rights will be protected only when the German Reich is again supported by the point of the German dagger.”

(From Hitler’s Words: Two Decades of Socialism,
1923–1943, translated and edited by Gordon W. Prange.
Reprinted by permission of Public Affairs Press.)

5.

Anschluss referendum


6. Neville Chamberlain's War Declaration
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chamberlain-war-declaration.ogg


7. Anglo-German Naval Agreement

The terms of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement as signed in London on June 18, 1935 read as follows:
"Exchange of Notes between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the German Government regrading the Limition of Naval Armaments-London, June 18, 1935.
(1)
Sir Samuel Hoare to Herr von Ribbentrop Your Excellency, Foreign Office, June 18, 1935
During the last the last few days the representatives of the German Government and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have been engaged in conversations, the primary purpose of which has been to prepare the way for the holding of a general conference on the subject of the limition of naval armaments. I have now much pleasure in notifying your Excellency of the formal acceptance by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom of the proposal of the German Government discussed at those conversations that the future strength of the German navy in relation to the aggregate naval strength of the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations should be in the proportion of 35:100. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom regard this proposal as a contribution of the greatest importance to the cause of future naval limition. They further believe that the agreement which they have now reached with the German government, and which they regard as a permament and definite agreement as from to-day between the two Governments, will facilitate the conclusion of a general agreement on the subject of naval limitation between all the naval Powers of the world.

2. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom also agree with the explanations which were furnished by the German representatives in the course of the recent discussions in London as the method of application of this principle. These explanations may be summarised as follows:-
(a) The ratio of 35:100 is to be a permament relationship, i.e. the total tonnage of the German fleet shall never exceed a percentage of 35 of the aggregate tonnage of the naval forces, as defined by treaty, of the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, or, if there should in future, be no treaty limitions of the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations.
(b) If any future general treaty of naval limitation should not adopt the method of limitation by agreed rations between the fleets of different Powers, the German Government will not insist on the incorporation of the ratio mentioned in the preceding sub-paragraph in such future general treaty, provided that the method therein adopted fo the future limition of naval armaments is such as to give Germany full guarantees that this ratio can be maintained.
(c) Germany will adhere to the ratio 35:100 in all circumstances, e.g. the ratio will not be affected by the construction of other Powers. If the general equilibrium of naval armaments,as normally maintained in the past, should be violently upset by any abnormal and exceptional construction by other Powers, the German Government reserve the right to invite His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to examine the new situation thus created.
(d)The German Government favour, the matter of limition of naval armaments, that system which divides naval vessels into categories, fixing the maximum tonnage and/or armament for vessels in each category, and allocates the tonnage to be allowed to each Power by categories of vessels. Consequently in principle, and subject to (f) below, the German Government are prepared to apply the 35 per cent. ratio to the tonnage of each category of vessel to be maintained, and to make any variation of this ratio in a particular category or categories dependent on the arrangements to this end that may be arrived at in a future general treaty on naval limitation, such arrangements being based on the principle that any increase in one category would be compensated for by a corresponding reduction in others. If no general treaty on naval limitation should be concluded, or if the future general treaty should not contain provision creating limitation by categories, the manner and degree in which the German Government will have the right to vary the 35 pe cent. ration in one or more categories wil be a matter for settlement by agreement between the German Government and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, in the light of the naval situation then existing.
(e) If, and for so long as other important naval Powers retain a single category for cruisers and destroyers, Germany shall enjoy the right to have a single category for these two classes of vessels, although she would prefer to see these classes in two categories.
(f) In the matter of submarines, however, Germany, while not exceeding the ratio of 35:100 in respect of total tonnage, shall have the right to possess a submarine tonnage equal to the total submarine tonnage possessed by the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The German Government, however, undertake that, except in the circumstances indicated in the immediately following sentence, Germany's submarine tonnage shall not exceed 45 per cent. of the total of that possessed by the Members of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The German Government reserve the right, in the event of a situation arising, which in their opinion, makes it necessary for Germany to avail herself of her right to a percentage of submarine tonnage exceeding the 45 per cent. above mentioned, to give notice this effect to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and agree that the matter shall be the subject of friendly discussion before the German Government exercise that right.
(g) Since it is highly improbable that the calculation of the 35 per cent. ratio should give for each category of vessels tonnage figures exactly divisible by the maximum individual tonnage permitted for ships in that category, it may be necessary that adjustments should be make in order that Germany shall not be debarred from utilising her tonnage to the full. It has consequenty been agreed that the German Government and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will settle by common accord what adjustments are necessary for this purpose, and it will be understood that this procedure shall not result in any substantial or permament departure from the ratio 35:100 in respect of total strengths.

3. With reference to sub-paagraph (c) of the explantions set out above, I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have taken note of the reservation and recognise in the right therein set out, on the understanding that the 35:100 ratio will be maintained in default of agreement to the contrary between the two Governments.

4. I have the honour to request your Excellency to inform me that the German Government agree that the prosposal of the German Government has been correctly set out in the preceding paragraphs of this note.
I have. & c.
SAMUEL HOARE



Herr von Ribbentrop to Sir Samuel Hoare
Your Excellency, London, June 18, 1935
I have the honour to acknoweledge the receipt of your Excellency's note of to-day's date, in which you were so good as to communicate to me on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom the following:-
(Here follows a German translation of paragraphs 1 to 3 of No. 1.)
I have the honour to confirm to your Excellency that the proposal of the German Government is correctly set forth in the foregoing note, and I note with pleasure that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom accept this proposal.
The German Government, for their part, are also of the opinion that the agreement at which they have now arrived with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and which they regard as a permanet and definite agreement with effect from to-day between the two Governments, will facilitate the conclusion of a general agreement on this question between all the naval POwers of the world.
I have, & c.
JOACHIM VON RIBBENTROP,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany".

Sources

"Lebensraum." About.com: 20th Century. 2008. About.com. 7 Jan 2009 http://history1900s.about.com/library/holocaust/aa110899.htm.

Pike, John. "Imperial German Territorial Aspirations." GlobalSecurity.org. 2009. GlobalSecurity.org. 8 Jan 2009 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/de-aspirations-maps-1.htm.

"Guernica." Treasures of the World. 1999. PBS. 8 Jan 2009 http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/guernica_nav/main_guerfrm.html.

"Analyzing Primary Source: ." Modern Chapter 12. Struthers High School. 7 Jan 2009 http://www.struthers.k12.oh.us/Schools/SHS/SHS_Staff_Pages/Stru_PZG/Unit%204/Chapter%2025/CTA%2057%20Rise%20of%20Adolf%20Hitler.pdf.

Anglo-German Naval Agreement." Wikipedia. 5 Jan. 2009. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 7 Jan. 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-German_Naval_Agreement.

"Neville Chamberlain - War Declaration on Germany." Declaration of War on Germany. 10 Downing St., London. Wikipedia. 18 June 2005. Wikimedia. 7 Jan. 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chamberlain-war-declaration.ogg.

Stimmzettel-Anschluss. Digital image. Wikipedia. 10 Sept. 2005. Wikimedia. 7 Jan. 2009 .

Hitler Germany test questions

1. Who founded the German Workers' Party?

a. Adolf Hitler
b. Gustav Stresemann
c. Anton Drexler
d. None of the above

2. What was the Reichstag?

a. German parliament
b. A Jewish shop
c. A famous concentration camp
d. Nazi Party headquarters

3. Why does fear of communism make Hitler's support grow?

a. People didn't like Marxism
b. People didn't believe communism would be effective.
c. Karl Marx ruined the German economy during WWI.
d. People were afraid that German will become bad like the USSR.

4. What was destroyed in the Night of the Long Knives?

a. Jewish shops and homes
b. The Reichstag
c. Sturmabteilung
d. Schutzstaffel

5. What does "antisocial" mean?

Someone who...

a. Doesn't like to talk and socialize
b. hates people AKA emo
c. is accused of committing adultery
d. is a criminal

6. [Bonus] Where did Mr. Librodo got his pocket picked?

a. Philippines
b. Spain
c. Poland
d. Thailand

Russian Propaganda Posters

Overthrowing a government isn’t all that hard, but keeping the new government running is the real challenge. To keep the new government running, the government needed the people on their side. Propaganda is the use of messages, pictures, or other media to change the people’s opinion about something. It is used to influence people to believe in something they didn’t, and there is usually one main and powerful message. To persuade people, facts are distorted, shown only the good sides, or they may be lies altogether. Propaganda during the time of the Russian Revolution mainly focuses on the teachings of Marx, the greatness of their leader, socialism, and communism. By looking at propaganda posters, we can see how basic psychology works on people and how the government tried to control people’s thoughts.

http://posters.nce.buttobi.net/big/0209.jpg

The translation of the poster is “The symbol of peace – the symbol of socialism.” In it, there is a picture of Lenin in the middle of a red flag. The poster uses yellow with rays to make Lenin seem like the sun or a god. The red flag symbolizes the Red Army. Under the flag is the Parliament building, and beside it is Spasskij, one of the Kremlin Towers. This tower used to be the resident of the Tsar before the Winter Palace. This poster clearly shows the red star on top of the tower put there by the Soviets to show their dominance. This poster is suggesting that with Lenin and the Soviet as the ruler, peace will be achieved like it never had during the Tsar’s rule. The text is saying that Lenin brought peace to the country, and socialism is the one way to peace. The poster is effective because it does not need a scholar to see that Lenin is depicted as a holy man and HE is the symbol of peace, along with socialism, all for the good of the state.

http://posters.nce.buttobi.net/big/0245a.jpg

The poster says “She was born in the hard year of 1918.” The she in this poster is assumed to be the army, since “army” in Russian is a feminine word. In the year 1918, the Russian Civil War started between the Reds and the Whites. This poster shows a woman in an army costume with red on both her and the background, indicating that she is from the Reds. The text indicates that the woman (army) was created due to the war, and created to stop the war. The main attraction for this poster should be the woman. In addition, the bright red will attract passersby to come look.

http://posters.nce.buttobi.net/big/0289.jpg

This poster says “We promised to the workers and peasants to do everything for peace - and we WILL do it.” It could mean that Lenin is going to do anything to win the war against the Whites. Standing in front, big and tall, is Lenin, holding the newspaper “Pravda.” Behind him is the Soviet symbol, which is golden, emphasizing importance. Though it does not say this, but it is obvious that it shows Lenin as the leader of the Soviet Union. Here, Lenin looks stern, steady, serious, and looks like the type of guy to solve the country’s problems. The theme of this poster is red, the color of the Red Army. Lenin holding Pravda guarantees that what he said will be the truth. Lenin’s prominence on the poster will be the thing that catches people’s eyes.

The posters I saw when I searched on the internet mostly had Lenin, Stalin, workers, and soldiers on them. They were mostly the Reds trying to take the people over to their side by showing victory of their soldiers, rights of workers, and righteousness of their leaders. It is obvious to me that during the totalitarian regime, lots of propaganda was used to brainwash people to help make the revolution successful. It is clear that the government’s propaganda was used to address almost anyone due to the message being quite clear. Even if people were illiterate, the pictures alone could obviously convey the message across.

Credits:

"Soviet Posters 1-6." Russian Posters, Cuban Posters, and other Posters. Propaganda Posters.. 20 Oct 2008 .

"Kremlin Towers." Wikipedia. 19 Oct 2008. Wikimedia Foundation. 20 Oct 2008 .

Kelly, Nigel, and Paul Shuter. As It Was Lived. 8th ed. Singapore: Pearson Education South East Asia, 2005

Babylon Dictionary

The Battle of Somme

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Joseph_Joffre_Nw_joffre_02_nw.png

Joseph Joffre

http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media_collection/6/PG%201010.jpg

Douglas Haig

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The Battle of Somme

Did you know that during World War I, the Battle of Somme had 58,000 casualties on the first day, July 1, 1916? The BEF (British Expeditionary Force) lost a lot of their soldiers that day. In addition, it was the first battle that tanks were ever used.

In WWI, the French and British fought the Germans together. British generals decided they were going to attack the area around the Somme River in the summer. In February 1916, the German army started attacking the French at Verdun. BEF commander, Sir Douglas Haig, and the French General, Joseph Joffre, planned to attack at the Somme River to lure the Germans out of Verdun. Because the French had to defend Verdun, it was the British who mostly fought.*

The attack was preceded with an artillery bombardment that took a week long. It was for the ease of inexperienced volunteered soldiers so they could just walk to the Germans. The shells were supposed to destroy part of the German defense. They didn’t. The bombardment only prepared the Germans of the coming attack. On July 1, the soldiers walked over and got killed by prepared German machine guns. On September 15th, the tanks were used. Although only about half of them worked, they helped break through German lines. However, they were also proved unreliable because soldiers often outrun them.

Progress was slow. When the war ended on November 18th, 1916, the British-French attack gained a surprisingly few 5-6 miles despite the total casualties from all sides: over 1,000,000.*

I think making the soldiers walk towards the enemies is suicide. However, without this attack, the French would have broken at Verdun, causing the Germans to advance and win the World War. Though lots of British soldiers died, I think it was worth the sacrifice.

* = new paragraph. It won't show in this blog.

Sources:
"Lincolnshire Nostalgia." Louth Leader. 17 Sep 2008. Lincolnshire Newspaper. 16 Sep 2008 .

Duffy, Michael. "Battle of Somme 1916." First World War.com. First World War.com. 15 Sep 2008 .

Ramsdale, David. "THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME." Ramsdale Family Register. 14 Sep 2008 .

"Battle of Somme." World War One. 2008. HIstory Learning Site. 14 Sep 2008 .

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