Fact Check: Hitler hoped to ally with Britain against the communists

Hitler Hoped to Ally with Britain Against the Communists: A Detailed Examination

Introduction

The claim that "Hitler hoped to ally with Britain against the communists" suggests a strategic alignment between Nazi Germany and Britain during the pre-World War II era, primarily motivated by a shared opposition to communism. This assertion raises questions about the nature of international relations at the time and the motivations behind Hitler's foreign policy.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: In the 1930s, Europe was grappling with the rise of communism, particularly following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Many Western nations, including Britain, viewed communism as a significant threat. This fear influenced political attitudes and policies, including appeasement towards Nazi Germany 68.

2. Hossbach Memorandum: This document, created after a meeting on November 5, 1937, outlines Hitler's expansionist goals. It indicates that Hitler did not desire war with Britain and France at that time, suggesting a possible interest in maintaining a working relationship with Britain 4. However, the memorandum primarily reflects Hitler's ambitions rather than explicit plans for an alliance.

3. Appeasement Policy: Britain’s policy of appeasement during the 1930s was largely driven by a desire to avoid another catastrophic war. Some British leaders believed that a strong Germany could act as a bulwark against communism, which may have contributed to their willingness to negotiate with Hitler 89.

4. Political Views of Hitler: Hitler's ideology was steeped in anti-communism, which he often used to justify his aggressive policies. His writings and speeches frequently emphasized the threat posed by communism, which he viewed as a primary enemy of Nazi Germany 510.

5. Public Sentiment in Britain: There was a segment of British society, particularly among right-wing factions, that viewed Nazi Germany as a potential ally against communism. Some believed that an alliance with Hitler could prevent the spread of communism in Europe 69.

Analysis

The claim that Hitler hoped to ally with Britain against communism is supported by several historical contexts but lacks definitive evidence of a formal alliance.

• Source Reliability: The Hossbach Memorandum is a primary source that provides insight into Hitler's strategic thinking; however, it is essential to consider that it reflects his ambitions rather than a concrete plan for collaboration with Britain. The interpretation of this document can vary, and its context must be understood within the broader scope of Nazi foreign policy 4.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Sources discussing the political climate in Britain during the 1930s, such as those from Historic UK and HistoryExtra, may have a nationalistic bias that could color their interpretation of events. These sources often emphasize the fear of communism as a justification for appeasement, which may oversimplify the complex motivations behind British foreign policy 69.

• Methodological Concerns: While some sources provide anecdotal evidence of British leaders' sentiments towards Nazi Germany, they often lack rigorous analysis or citation of primary documents. This raises questions about the validity of claims regarding a hoped-for alliance. More comprehensive historical analyses or academic studies would enhance the understanding of these dynamics.

• Counterarguments: Other historians argue that while there was a fear of communism, the idea of a formal alliance between Hitler and Britain was never realized. The eventual outbreak of World War II and Hitler's aggressive actions against Britain contradict the notion of a cooperative relationship 810.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that "Hitler hoped to ally with Britain against the communists" is partially true, as it is supported by historical contexts such as the Hossbach Memorandum and the political climate in Britain during the 1930s. Evidence suggests that there were sentiments in Britain that viewed a strong Germany as a potential ally against communism, and Hitler's anti-communist ideology aligns with this notion. However, the lack of definitive evidence for a formal alliance and the eventual conflict between the two nations complicate this claim.

It is important to note that while some British leaders may have entertained the idea of collaboration, this did not translate into a concrete alliance. The complexities of international relations during this period, including the motivations behind appeasement and the diverse political opinions within Britain, further add nuance to the claim.

Additionally, the available evidence is limited and often subject to interpretation, which means that conclusions drawn from it should be approached with caution. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate historical claims and consider the broader context in which they are made.

Sources

1. What's the context? 30 September 1938: The Munich Agreement. UK Government Blog
2. World War, Cold War, 1939-1953. FBI History
3. Communist Party of Great Britain. Wikipedia
4. Hossbach Memorandum. Wikipedia
5. Political views of Adolf Hitler. Wikipedia
6. Anglo-Nazi Pact in the 1930's? Historic UK
7. Why Did Britain Allow Hitler to Annex Austria and Czechoslovakia? A Historian's Perspective. History Tools
8. Why Did Britain & France Appease Hitler? World History Encyclopedia
9. Making Friends With Hitler: Britain's Pre-War Relationship with the Nazi Dictator. HistoryExtra
10. How Fear of Communism Led to the Rise of Hitler, Nazism. The Wire