Germany’s Preparations for World War II: A Timeline of Early Developments and Key Strategies

The early 1930s marked a significant period of rearmament and strategic preparation for World War II. Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, initiated a series of measures that laid the groundwork for its eventual entry into the conflict. This article will explore the timeline of these key developments and strategies that solidified Germany's position as a formidable power.

Key Developments Leading to World War II

Starting from the 1930s, Germany began a cascade of actions that violated the Treaty of Versailles, leading to a new era of militarization and territorial aggression. These actions included:

Rearmament

Contrary to the Treaty of Versailles, which limited Germany's military capabilities, Germany initiated a program of rearmament in the mid-1930s. By 1935, the Luftwaffe (air force) and the Wehrmacht (Army) were expanding rapidly. The Remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 further demonstrated Germany's defiance of the Treaty of Versailles and widened its military capabilities.

Military Strategy

Germany developed new military tactics, particularly the Blitzkrieg (lightning war), which emphasized rapid and coordinated attacks using infantry tanks and air support. This approach was not only tested in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 but also used effectively in the invasions of Poland and France.

Territorial Expansion

Early territorial expansion began with the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria in March 1938. This was followed by the demands for the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, further indicating Germany's aggressive expansionist policies. The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the official start of World War II, albeit the groundwork for the conflict had been laid years earlier.

Alliances

Germany sought to strengthen its position by forming alliances. The Tripartite Pact in 1940, which included Germany, Italy, and Japan, solidified these alliances and was a critical step in establishing the Axis powers.

Pre-Adoption of the Weimar Constitution

The first stage of the German Revolution (29 October 1918 to 9 November 1918) and the second stage (3 November 1918 to 11 August 1919) set the stage for the Weimar Constitution's adoption in August 1919. The abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II on 9 November 1918 and the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918 marked significant political changes.

Even before the Weimar Constitution was adopted, the German government began planning for rearmament. The Treaty of Rapallo in 1922, which saw Germany and the Soviet Union renounce territorial and financial claims against each other, was significant. Although the treaty did not include military provisions, secret agreements were in place, and the German government supported the formation of paramilitary units such as the Freikorps.

To mask the true extent of rearmament, Germany created a fake investment company called MEFO to issue promissory notes, ensuring that the debts did not appear in government reports. This strategy, along with other measures such as banning trade unions and opposition parties, allowed for the steady increase in military spending without raising international concerns.

Conclusion

The groundwork for World War II was laid well before the Nazi regime took power in 1933. The strategic and militaristic preparations of Germany, including rearmament, secret military initiatives, and the formation of alliances, all contributed to the outbreak of the conflict in 1939. Understanding these early developments provides insight into the complex and troubling history of the 20th century.

Keywords: World War II, Germany, Preparations, Rearmament, Blitzkrieg