Historiography+on+the+origins+of+WWII

Historiography on the origins of WWII
 * What do historians say are the reasons behind the outbreak of WWII?

**Intentionalists (traditional view):** - Hitler had caused the war by his policy of **deliberate aggression in Europe** - First in the east against **Poland**, and then the west against **Britain** and **France.** - 1941, Hitler widened the war to **attack the Soviet Union and declare war on the USA** - It was accepted that Hitler had a **clearly defined programme**, examples of this was outlined in 1924 in '**Mein Kampf.**' After he was securely in power, he began to carry out the process of the program. - Ultimately planned to **acquire vast territories** in eastern europe to expand 'Lebensraum' (living space). - These aims were clear through the use of **force** to **eliminate Russia and Bolshevism**.

-**Alan Bullock, Hugh Trevor-Roper and Klaus Hildebrand** see Hitler's ideology and will-power as crucial to any explanation of why war was developed. - Sometimes regarded as the 'Intentionalist school' as their explanations of the causes of the war are based on the intent of Hitler because he made the major decisions in foreign policy.

- **A.J.P Taylor** //Challenged this view// by suggesting that Hitler was really **no different from any other German leader**. - Taylor argued that Hitler **sought to undo** the treaty of **Versailles** and to **restore** Germany to its standing as a great power, but he did **not have a clearly defined program** or blue print for action.

- Regarded Hitler as an 'Opportunist and improvisor' who took advantage of situations created by others

 A.J.P Taylor (pictured above)

**Structuralist interpretation (Structure and function of the Nazi state):**

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">- In contrast to the 'Intentionalist school', is the 'Structuralist school', which includes scholars such as **Hans Mommsen and Martin Brozat.** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">- These scholars do not dismiss the importance of Hitler, but place less emphasis on his personal role. Their main focus is the structure and function of the Nazi state. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">- Mainly believed that Hitler stayed aloof from the conflicting and competing interests, only intervening when and where he wanted to. As a result the Nazi regime became more radical and more extreme, making it almost impossible for moderate policies to exist.

<span style="color: #f22626; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">**The Debate** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">The importance of Hitler and his involvement is acknowledged by all; The debate is more on the degree of his influence. The question remains... Was World War II caused by the aims of one man, or do its causes lie in the European situation created after 1919.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Factors of both sides of the debate: